SC issues notice to Centre over Central Vista library plan, seeks reply in 3 weeks

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre seeking a detailed response within three weeks on the proposed library arrangements under the Central Vista project, particularly the space earmarked for the existing collection of books.The court also appointed senior advocate Hari Priya Padmanabhan to assist it in examining the matter.During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the existing library collection, noting that around two lakh books have been lying packed in cartons in RK Puram, Delhi, and have remained unopened since 2011.

The court sought clarity on the size of the existing collection and the space proposed to be allotted for the books in the new library facility.It also questioned additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, on whether the proposed infrastructure would leave adequate space for the library and its books.The court specifically sought clarity on whether facilities such as conference rooms and other infrastructure planned under the Central Vista project would affect the space available for the library collection. (With inputs from ANI)