Delhi High Court has held that Delhi University does not have to disclose the records regarding the PM Modi Graduation Degree. This was after the earlier action of the Central Information Commission, where it had ordered the university to disclose the educational qualifications of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What The Issue Was
The issue arose when an application was made under the Right to Information Act (RTI), acting is an application for information related to PM. Modi’s academic records. The CIC had ordered Delhi University to disclose such details permits of the Prime Minister, but the University challenged such order of the CIC in the court on the premise that the order that directed the University was not legally sustainable.
Court Overturning the Order of the CIC
On hearing the petition Delhi High Court overturned the order of the CIC and clarified that the Delhi University is not bound to share the records of the Prime Minister’s degree records under the RTI Act. The court stated that personal information related to educational qualifications fell under the exemption clause of the Act and denied disclosure unless there was a public interest in making the disclosure.
Political Responses and Debate
The ruling has rekindled interest in the PM Modi Graduation degree debate, which has been a recurring issue in Indian Politics. In the past, the opposition has raised questions about the academic qualifications of the Prime Minister, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed that the degree is valid.
With the most recent judgment, the Delhi University is not obligated to share the details; however, the issue is still being discussed politically and publicly.
History of the Degree Controversy
The degree controversy involving PM Modi certainly is not new. Over the years, his academic transcript has been requested in many petitions and RTIs, whereas the BJP has presented copies of Modi’s degrees in the past, Modi’s critics have claimed they are fake.
The High Court ruling provides legal clarity regarding whether the information could indeed be requested under RTI.
