New Delhi, August 26, 2025 — The Delhi High Court has set aside a Central Information Commission (CIC) directive that sought disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic records from Delhi University, ruling that such information falls within the ambit of personal privacy.
The case traces back to a 2016 CIC order allowing inspection of records of all students who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Delhi University in 1978, the year PM Modi is said to have completed his course. The university challenged the order, arguing that it holds student records in a fiduciary capacity and cannot disclose such details unless a larger public interest is established.
Justice Sachin Datta, delivering the judgment, held that educational qualifications — including marks, degrees, and answer sheets — are considered personal information under Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. He emphasized that there exists a legitimate expectation of confidentiality between students and universities. The court clarified that mere curiosity or political interest does not constitute “public interest” strong enough to override an individual’s right to privacy.
The ruling further noted that holding public office does not automatically subject all aspects of an individual’s private life to public scrutiny under RTI provisions. The court distinguished between information of “interest to the public” and information serving the “public interest,” underscoring that only the latter justifies breaching privacy protections.
By overturning the CIC’s order, the High Court reinforced judicial precedent that academic records — even of public figures — cannot be mandatorily disclosed without compelling justification. The decision not only protects the Prime Minister’s personal information but also upholds the privacy rights of millions of students across the country.
In its verdict, the court found no overriding public interest that would warrant disclosure of PM Modi’s degree, reaffirming the balance between transparency and individual privacy within the RTI framework.
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