New Delhi, Feb 27 – The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on a plea by Delhi University (DU) challenging the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) directive to disclose details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bachelor's degree.
Justice Sachin Datta, after hearing arguments from both sides, stated, "Arguments heard. Judgment reserved."
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing DU, contended that the CIC’s order should be set aside. However, he clarified that the university had no issue presenting the records before the court. "The university has no objection in showing the record to the court. There is a degree from 1978, Bachelor of Arts," Mehta said.
The case stems from an RTI application filed by an individual named Neeraj. On December 21, 2016, the CIC allowed the inspection of records of all students who cleared the BA examination in 1978—the same year Prime Minister Modi reportedly graduated. However, the Delhi High Court had stayed this order on January 23, 2017.
During the proceedings on February 11, DU argued that it held the degree information in a fiduciary capacity. The university maintained that “mere curiosity” did not justify the disclosure of private information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, especially in the absence of a clear public interest. The institution further expressed concerns that the RTI Act was being “reduced to a joke” with blanket queries seeking records of all students from that academic year, including the Prime Minister.
The court will now deliver its judgment on the matter after considering the arguments presented.
Justice Sachin Datta, after hearing arguments from both sides, stated, "Arguments heard. Judgment reserved."
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing DU, contended that the CIC’s order should be set aside. However, he clarified that the university had no issue presenting the records before the court. "The university has no objection in showing the record to the court. There is a degree from 1978, Bachelor of Arts," Mehta said.
The case stems from an RTI application filed by an individual named Neeraj. On December 21, 2016, the CIC allowed the inspection of records of all students who cleared the BA examination in 1978—the same year Prime Minister Modi reportedly graduated. However, the Delhi High Court had stayed this order on January 23, 2017.
During the proceedings on February 11, DU argued that it held the degree information in a fiduciary capacity. The university maintained that “mere curiosity” did not justify the disclosure of private information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, especially in the absence of a clear public interest. The institution further expressed concerns that the RTI Act was being “reduced to a joke” with blanket queries seeking records of all students from that academic year, including the Prime Minister.
The court will now deliver its judgment on the matter after considering the arguments presented.
