Delhi High Court rules PM Modi’s degree details are private, overturning CIC’s order
Court Said No to PM Degree Disclosure – In a major legal decision, the Delhi High Court has ruled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational records do not need to be made public. This judgment overturns a previous order by the Central Information Commission (CIC), which had directed Delhi University to share details of the PM’s Bachelor of Arts degree from 1978. The court said such information is “personal” and not required to be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
PM Degree Disclosure – What Was the Case About?
The controversy began in 2016 when an RTI application was filed by activist Neeraj Kumar. He asked Delhi University to provide the list of students who passed the BA exam in 1978—the year PM Modi is said to have graduated. The CIC agreed and ordered the university to allow inspection of those records.
Delhi University challenged this order, arguing that student records are held in a fiduciary (trust-based) capacity and cannot be shared without a valid reason. The university said that “mere curiosity” about someone’s degree does not count as public interest.
The case went to the Delhi High Court, which had already stayed the CIC order back in 2017. On August 25, 2025, the court officially set aside the CIC’s directive, siding with Delhi University.
What the Court Said: Privacy Comes First
Justice Sachin Datta, who delivered the verdict, made several key points:
- Educational records are personal information: This includes degrees, marks, and answer sheets.
- RTI has limits: The law promotes transparency in government, but not at the cost of individual privacy.
- Public interest must be clear and compelling: Just because someone is a public figure doesn’t mean all their personal data should be open to everyone.
- Disclosure could set a dangerous precedent: If one person’s academic records are shared, it could lead to demands for similar disclosures about thousands of officials.
The court emphasized that the RTI Act should not be used for “idle curiosity” or “sensationalism.” It also said that the relationship between a university and its students involves trust, and that sensitive data should be protected.
Political Reactions: Mixed Views from Different Camps
The decision has sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the ruling “incomprehensible,” saying that educational details of public figures have always been available and should remain so. He also criticized past amendments to the RTI Act, claiming they weakened transparency.
On the other hand, supporters of the ruling argue that the court has rightly protected privacy and prevented misuse of the RTI law. They say that PM Modi’s degree has already been declared in his election affidavits, and that repeated demands for proof are politically motivated.
Legal experts are divided. Some believe the judgment strengthens privacy rights, while others worry it could limit access to important public information in future cases.
What This Means for Future RTI Requests
This ruling could have a big impact on how RTI applications are handled going forward. Here’s what it could mean:
- Stricter privacy protection: Personal data, even of public officials, may be harder to access.
- Higher bar for public interest: Applicants will need to show clear reasons why the information matters to the public.
- Universities and institutions may push back: They may cite this case to deny similar requests.
The court’s decision reminds us that transparency and privacy must be balanced. While citizens have the right to know how their government works, individuals including leaders, also have a right to keep personal details private unless there’s a strong reason to share them.
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