Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Delhi HC to Hear Appeals on PM Modi's Degree Disclosure
Imagine someone asked for information about Prime Minister Modi's college degree using a special law called the RTI Act.
Initially, a government information panel said the university should share the details.
However, a judge later said this information is private, like a school report card, and shouldn't be shared just because someone is in public office.
Now, a higher court is looking at appeals against that judge's decision.
They will listen to both sides to decide if the degree details are public information or private.
The university is also asking for more time to explain why it took them long to appeal the first decision.
This is all about how much private information about public figures should be available to everyone.
Delhi High Court to hear appeals regarding the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree details.
Appeals challenge a single judge's order that overturned a CIC directive to disclose the degree information.
The single judge ruled that educational qualifications are personal information and not subject to public disclosure without overriding public interest.
The case involves applications filed by RTI activist Neeraj, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, and advocate Mohd Irshad.
The court has granted Delhi University three weeks to respond regarding delays in filing their appeals.
- Who
- Delhi High Court, Right to Information activists, Aam Aadmi Party leaders, Delhi University, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- Hearing of appeals challenging an order that set aside a directive to disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree details.
- When
- Wednesday (hearing date); August 25 (single judge order); December 21, 2016 (CIC decision)
- Where
- Delhi High Court
- Why
- To determine whether details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree should be disclosed under the Right to Information Act.
Pro-Disclosure Advocates
Arguments Against Disclosure
Nature of Information
Pro-Disclosure Advocates
The CIC directed the inspection of records of all students who cleared the BA exam in 1978, the year PM Modi graduated.
Arguments Against Disclosure
Educational qualifications, including degrees and marks, are considered 'personal information' and disclosure without overriding public interest intrudes into privacy.
Public Interest vs. Privacy
Pro-Disclosure Advocates
Information related to public officials should be transparent and accessible through RTI.
Arguments Against Disclosure
While RTI promotes transparency, it's not for 'sensationalism,' and there's no 'implicit public interest' in academic details unless they are a prerequisite for a public office.
University's Role
Pro-Disclosure Advocates
The university is obligated to comply with CIC directives.
Arguments Against Disclosure
A 'special relationship of trust and confidence' exists between a student and a university, which is fiduciary in nature, suggesting personal information should be protected.
- Court Hearing Date
- Wednesday
- Appeals Filed By
- RTI activist Neeraj, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, Advocate Mohd Irshad
- Single Judge Order Date
- August 25
- CIC Decision Date
- December 21, 2016
- PM Modi's Graduation Year
- 1978
- Next Hearing Date
- January 16, 2026