Lok Sabha Question No. 1989 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-28
Subject: Closure of Delhi Public Library
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: DHARAM VIRA GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1989 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.11.2016

## CLOSURE OF DELHI PUBLIC LIBRARY

1989.  SHRI DHARAM VIRA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware about the closure and the illegal demolition of the Delhi Public Library, Karolbagh Branch; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether there have been alleged lapses from the chairman of the Delhi Library Board (DLB)  in  this  regard  despite  the  Delhi  Library  Board's  unanimous  decision  and instruction to save the library; (d) if  so,  the  details  in  this  regard  along  with  the  measures  taken  to  save  the  library from the demolition process; (e) whether the Government is planning to conduct a CVC enquiry regarding the role of the alleged corrupt practices that lead to the closure and demolition of the library; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

## ANSWER

- (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. North Delhi Municipal Corporation had served a notice to Delhi Public Library (DPL) to vacate the rented Library Building at Karolbagh stating that  the  building  is  very  old  and  in  dangerous  condition  and  there  is  a possibility that building may collapse. DPL approached the High Court of Delhi for  obtaining  a  stay  on  the  demolition  of  the  Library  Building.  High  Court granted interim stay and directed to maintain status quo.
- (c) & (d):  As per the minutes of 374 th meeting of Delhi Library Board held on 18.10.2016 the Board resolved that DPL should not vacate the library building and all out efforts should be taken to safeguard the interest of this library at any cost.

Board further resolved that a rejoinder may be filed in the Court in this regard and it  was decided  that  letter  should  be  issued  to  CPWD  for  assessing  the library  building  and  letter  should  be  issued  to  Commissioner,  North  Delhi Municipal  Corporation  for  a  vigilance  inquiry  in  this  matter.  Delhi  Public Library filled Writ Petition (C) No.10823/2016 before High Court of Delhi for setting aside the order dated 4.11.2016 of North Delhi Municipal Corporation to  vacate  the  premises.  The  Writ  Petition  was  withdrawn  vide  order  dated 16.11.2016 of High Court of Delhi as the court has already granted interim stay on 15.11.2016 in another Writ Petition(c)No.10832/2016 Anil Chamadia &  Others  Versus  North  Delhi  Municipal  Corporations  &  Others.  As  per information received from DPL, it approached Central Public Works Department  and  Public  works  Department  for  assessment  of  the  library building  who  have  inspected  and  surveyed  the  building  on  5.11.2016  and 9.11.2016 respectively. Report awaited.

- (e)  &  (f):  Delhi  Public  Library  has  written  to  Commissioner(Vigilance),  North  Delhi Municipal Corporation on 20.10.2016 to conduct vigilance inquiry into the role of NDMC officials in the matter.