Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Central Secretariat Library Space Plan
The Central Secretariat Library has more than 8.5 lakh books and documents.
It now uses four floors of a government building in Delhi.
A newspaper reported that the library might move to just two rooms in a new government-building project.
The Culture Ministry said that space would not be enough, while the housing ministry said space had been included in the plan.
The Supreme Court asked the government to explain the proposed space and provide the layout plan.
The library began in 1891.
On the same day, the court also said 11 Delhi Gymkhana Club members could take their dispute with the government to the Delhi High Court.
That separate case concerns the government’s takeover of the club’s premises.
The Supreme Court sought the Centre’s account of the Central Secretariat Library’s proposed space and the Central Vista layout.
The library has more than 8.5 lakh books and documents and currently occupies about 5,500 square metres across four floors.
The Indian Express reported that two rooms of around 300 square metres had been allocated at Kartavya Bhawan-2; the Culture Ministry called the proposed space inadequate.
The Union housing ministry maintained that space for the library had been provided in the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
In a separate matter, the Supreme Court allowed 11 Delhi Gymkhana Club members to pursue their challenge before the Delhi High Court, subject to objections.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Central Secretariat Library, and the Union government.
- What
- The Court sought details of the library’s proposed space and layout in the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
- When
- Monday; the library was established in 1891.
- Where
- The Central Secretariat Library in Delhi and the Central Vista redevelopment area.
- Why
- Reports raised uncertainty about whether the space proposed for the library would accommodate its collection and facilities.
Concerns about library space
Government’s position
Whether the proposed library space is adequate
Concerns about library space
The Indian Express reported an allocation of two rooms covering around 300 square metres, and the Culture Ministry rejected the proposed space as inadequate for the collection and facilities.
Government’s position
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs maintained that space for the library had been provided in the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
Gymkhana members’ challenge
Concerns about library space
Eleven club members sought to challenge the government’s takeover of the premises and related eviction proceedings.
Government’s position
The members’ ability to pursue the case remains subject to the other side’s objections on maintainability and other legal issues.
- Library collection
- More than 8.5 lakh books and documents
- Current area
- About 5,500 square metres across four floors
- Reported proposed allocation
- Two rooms totalling around 300 square metres at Kartavya Bhawan-2
- Court’s request
- The Centre was asked to provide an affidavit detailing the proposed space and actual layout plan
- Housing ministry’s position
- Space for the library had been provided in the Central Vista redevelopment plan
- Separate Gymkhana matter
- Eleven members were permitted to approach the Delhi High Court over the government’s takeover of the club premises, subject to objections
