PM Modi degree controversy: Delhi High Court reserves judgment on Delhi University's appeal against information disclosure

Delhi High Court Reserves Judgment in PM Modi Degree Controversy, Leaving Nation in Anticipation

The Delhi High Court has concluded hearings and reserved its verdict in the contentious case involving Delhi University's appeal against disclosing academic records related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree. The decision, expected in the coming weeks, could have far-reaching implications for transparency in public life and the right to privacy.  

The legal battle stems from an RTI application filed by activist Amit Khare seeking details about PM Modi's undergraduate degree from Delhi University. After the Central Information Commission ordered the university to permit inspection of the records, DU moved court, arguing that such disclosure would violate privacy norms and create a dangerous precedent. University representatives emphasized that academic records are personal documents that should not be made public without consent, warning that forced disclosures could lead to misuse of personal information.  

Supporters of the RTI application countered that as the nation's highest elected official, the Prime Minister's educational qualifications are a matter of legitimate public interest. They argued that transparency about the background of public figures strengthens democratic accountability. The courtroom debate has mirrored larger societal discussions about where to draw the line between citizens' right to information and individuals' right to privacy.  

The case has become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties framing it as a test of governmental transparency while ruling party members dismiss it as an opposition-engineered distraction. Public interest in the proceedings remains high, reflecting the ongoing national conversation about accountability in public office.  

Legal experts suggest the eventual ruling could reshape interpretations of India's Right to Information Act, potentially clarifying the extent to which personal details of public figures can be accessed through RTI mechanisms. As the nation awaits the court's decision, the case continues to spark vigorous debate about the balance between privacy rights and the public's right to know in a functioning democracy.