CIC’s Order to Disclose PM Narendra Modi’s Degree Rejected by Delhi High Court Citing Privacy Concerns

Almost a decade ago, an RTI applicant sought the academic records of students who graduated in 1978. As a result, the Central Information Commission (CIC) also ordered the sharing of those academic records, saying that it falls under the Right to Information (RTI), but the order was rejected by the Delhi High Court and Delhi University (DU), citing the right to privacy.

CIC did not agree to this logic and has ordered DU to sanction the inspection of those records. This legal battle has been going on for 10 years, but it doesn’t seem to be ending. Here’s why Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic records are being sought.

Who Sought to Disclose PM Modi’s Degree?

RTI applicant Neeraj Kumar filed an application in 2016 to disclose the educational qualifications and certificates of the students of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1978 from Delhi University, as PM Narendra Modi is also said to have completed his BA from this university. The CIC said the educational details of a notable personality like PM Modi should be transparent and that the document holding this certificate should be made public.

Delhi University Challenges CIC’s Order in Delhi HC

Regarding this order issued by CIC, Delhi University took the case to the Delhi High Court. DU was represented by the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta. DU asserted that students' right to privacy is more important than the public’s right to information. The Solicitor General also said that publicizing such private information is dangerous.

He also added that the DU would share the academic details with the Delhi HC on the condition that they don’t make the data public. Furthermore, he mocked the people looking for the PM's educational documents by saying they were “seeking publicity or driven by political motives.”

In response, the activists said that the right to information law does not consider the applicant's intent or identity. A degree is not a private matter as it is issued by the state, and the PM’s educational qualifications are of great interest to the public.

On 25 August, the Delhi HC passed a judgment in favor of not publicizing the PM’s academic details. Delhi University also opposed CIC’s orders, citing the privacy concerns of thousands of students. Though CIC is not yet satisfied with the judgment, it favors the High Court’s decision.