New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has set aside the Central Information Commission (CIC) order that directed the Delhi University to disclose records related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bachelor’s degree.
The CIC had earlier instructed Delhi University to allow inspection of records pertaining to 1978, the year PM Modi reportedly graduated, following petitions seeking details of his educational qualifications. The University challenged the CIC order, arguing that it was not bound to reveal such records.
Court Ruling
Hearing the matter, Justice Sachin Datta’s single-judge bench ruled that the CIC’s order had no legal basis and that Delhi University is under no obligation to disclose details of PM Modi’s academic records. The court clarified that no person has the right to compel the university to share or open inspection of Modi’s degree-related documents.
Legal Context
The case stems from RTI applications filed with the CIC demanding inspection of PM Modi’s bachelor’s degree records. The CIC had upheld this demand, directing Delhi University to facilitate access. However, the High Court has now overturned that order, siding with DU’s petition.
While the detailed written judgment is awaited, the order is expected to set a precedent on the extent of transparency under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, especially concerning personal academic records of public figures.
Implications
The verdict means that the long-debated question over PM Modi’s degree disclosure will not move forward under RTI scrutiny, unless a higher court intervenes. It also narrows the scope of CIC’s authority in compelling institutions to disclose sensitive academic information of political leaders.
