Delhi University: "Can Show PM Modi’s Degree to Court, But Not to ‘Strangers’

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi University has stated that while it is prepared to present Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bachelor’s degree to the Delhi High Court, it will not disclose it publicly, arguing that such information cannot be subjected to the scrutiny of “strangers.”

The university’s stance came during a hearing on its plea challenging a Central Information Commission (CIC) order from 2016, which directed the university to allow inspection of records for all students who passed the BA exam in 1978—the year Modi graduated.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Delhi University, defended the institution’s position, asserting that the right to privacy supersedes the right to know.

“We have the degree, but we are not statutorily bound to disclose it. We cannot expose it to the scrutiny of strangers. However, we have no objection to showing it to the court,” Mehta told the High Court.

Mehta also questioned the petitioner’s intent, alleging that the request was politically motivated. He warned that such disclosures could set a precedent, leading to “thousands of similar applications” seeking personal information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

“We cannot trust the motive of the petitioner. Such information cannot be sought by third parties. Applicants are abusing RTI provisions,” he argued, emphasizing that penalties should be imposed on those filing “vexatious” requests rather than on authorities withholding information.

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order in the case, leaving the fate of the request uncertain. The case highlights the ongoing debate over transparency versus privacy in public office, particularly when it comes to the educational qualifications of elected officials.