Delhi HC Rejects Order to Reveal PM Modi’s 1978 Delhi University Records

Swift Summary:

• The Delhi High Court quashed a 2016 Central Information Commission (CIC) order that allowed inspection of Delhi University’s 1978 BA records when Prime minister narendra Modi graduated.
• The CIC’s order, based on an RTI plea by activist Neeraj, mandated DU to provide certified extracts of the register listing all details of students who passed.
• Delhi University’s appeal claimed that such disclosure would involve personal information held in fiduciary capacity adn argued it was exempt under the RTI Act.
• Solicitor general Tushar Mehta reiterated DU’s position, stating RTI laws are not designed to satisfy personal curiosity or public interest without broader justification.
• Earlier hearings saw DU argue this disclosure could negatively impact all universities storing student records in india.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The Delhi High Court’s decision highlights complex tensions between transparency and privacy rights within India’s information governance framework. While the RTI Act empowers citizens to access public records for accountability purposes, certain exemptions exist to safeguard sensitive data like educational histories stored in fiduciary trust. The court ruling reflects apprehension about setting legal precedents that might compromise institutional responsibilities across thousands of higher education entities managing private student data nationwide. Furthermore, it underscores how demands for unusual disclosure-especially concerning individuals holding significant political positions-should balance legal principles protecting data integrity against promoting governmental transparency.

image Credit: ANI | source Link: read More