Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Gujarat: Private Universities Under RTI Act, Says Commission
The Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) has decided that private universities must follow the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
This means they have to share information with the public.
This decision came after a professor asked for information from Parul University, but the university said it didn't have to provide it.
The GIC said that because the universities were created by the Gujarat government, they count as public authorities and must follow the RTI Act.
This means they have to share details about how they work.
The GIC told Parul University to set up a system for people to ask for information and to share details about their off-campus locations.
Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) ruled private universities are 'public authority' under RTI Act.
The ruling came after a professor filed an appeal against Parul University in Vadodara.
The commission cited section 2 of the RTI Act, stating entities created by state legislatures are 'public authority'.
GIC cited UGC guidelines and a 2020 state Education Department communication.
Parul University was ordered to implement RTI Act provisions and provide information about its off-campus centers.
- Who
- Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) and Prof. Devdutt Rana, Parul University.
- What
- Gujarat Information Commission ruled private universities are 'public authority' under RTI Act.
- When
- June 16 (order date), June 25 (news publication).
- Where
- Gujarat, India
- Why
- To ensure transparency and access to information from private universities.
Plaintiff
Defendant
University's Status
Plaintiff
Rana argued that private universities should be considered public authorities and subject to the RTI Act.
Defendant
Parul University claimed it was not a public authority, as it doesn't receive government funds.
- Ruling Body
- Gujarat Information Commission (GIC)
- Subject
- Private Universities and RTI Act
- Relevant Act
- Right to Information (RTI) Act
- University in question
- Parul University
- Appellant
- Prof. Devdutt Rana
- Key finding
- Private universities are 'public authority'