Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Bombay High Court Revives Crumbling Library
The Bombay High Court has taken notice of the poor condition of the Bhaskarrao Jadhav Library in Kolhapur.
The court believes libraries are important for learning and bringing people together, even in the age of artificial intelligence.
The library has over 21,000 books and is used by more than 400 students.
The court has appointed two advocates to inspect the library and suggest improvements.
The library is in bad shape due to monsoon damage, and the court wants to make sure it is preserved.
The next hearing is on August 18.
Bombay High Court takes suo motu cognizance of the dilapidated condition of Bhaskarrao Jadhav Library in Kolhapur.
Library houses 21,825 books and serves over 400 regular readers, mostly students.
Court appoints advocates Ritesh Thobade and Bhargavi Patil as amici curiae to inspect the library.
Monsoon damage has left the library building in a dilapidated condition with leaky ceilings.
Court directs Kolhapur Municipal Corporation to take immediate steps to preserve the library.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation, Advocates Ritesh Thobade and Bhargavi Patil
- What
- Suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) to revive the Bhaskarrao Jadhav Library
- When
- July 21, with the next hearing on August 18
- Where
- Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Why
- To preserve the library's heritage and provide access to knowledge for all sections of society
Library Preservation
Modernization Advocates
Role of Libraries
Library Preservation
Libraries are essential for academic pursuits and social inclusion, bridging the digital divide.
Modernization Advocates
Modern digital resources can replace traditional libraries, making them obsolete.
Funding and Maintenance
Library Preservation
Government and civic bodies should prioritize the preservation and augmentation of libraries.
Modernization Advocates
Funds should be allocated to modern digital infrastructure rather than maintaining old libraries.
- Library Name
- Bhaskarrao Jadhav Library
- Location
- Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Number of Books
- 21,825
- Regular Readers
- Over 400
- Annual Membership Fee
- Rs 1,000
- Date of Registration
- December 15, 1972
- Branch Establishment Date
- December 9, 1979
- Next Court Hearing
- August 18