The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Central government over the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library, part of the Central Vista redevelopment. The Court has sought a detailed affidavit within three weeks outlining the relocation plan.
Supreme Court Seeks Detailed Relocation Plan for Central Secretariat Library
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Central government in a suo motu case concerning the proposed relocation of the 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library (CSL) from Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. The library is set to be shifted as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, which includes the demolition of existing structures.
A bench comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva directed the government to file a comprehensive affidavit within three weeks. The affidavit must include the layout plan, area specifications, and full details of the proposed new location for the library. The Court emphasized the historical and institutional significance of the CSL, urging the administration to ensure continuity and preservation of its services and collections.
Practitioners should note that judicial scrutiny of public infrastructure projects with heritage or public utility elements is increasing. Courts may invoke Article 21 and environmental or cultural preservation principles even in absence of specific legislative mandates. Proactive disclosure and transparent planning are now de facto requirements for such executive actions.
