Earlier, the Delhi High Court had stayed the CIC’s order on January 23, 2017.
New Delhi: Today, 27th Feb, The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on Delhi University’s (DU) petition challenging the Central Information Commission (CIC) order that directed the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree details.
Justice Sachin Datta, after hearing arguments from both sides, said, “Arguments heard. Judgement reserved.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented DU, argued that the CIC’s order should be set aside. However, he clarified that DU was willing to present the records before the court.
“University has no objection in showing the record to the court. There is a degree from 1978, bachelor of art,” Mehta stated.
Background
The case began after an RTI application was filed by an individual named Neeraj. The CIC, in its order dated December 21, 2016, allowed an inspection of all records related to students who passed the BA examination in 1978, which includes the Prime Minister’s degree.
However, the Delhi High Court had stayed the CIC’s order on January 23, 2017.
On February 11, DU argued that it holds students’ academic records in a fiduciary capacity. The university maintained that an RTI request made out of “mere curiosity” and without any public interest does not justify the disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act.
ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal Appeals Against Gujarat High Court Verdict on PM Modi’s Degree Disclosure
DU further claimed that the RTI Act was being misused and stated, “The RTI Act was reduced to a ‘joke’ with queries seeking records of all students who passed the BA examination in 1978, including the Prime Minister.”
Earlier, The Gujarat High Court has reserved its verdict on a review plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal concerning the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic degree. This development follows the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) directive to Gujarat University to provide details of PM Modi’s academic credentials in response to Kejriwal’s RTI application.
Previously, the High Court, under Justice Biren Vaishnav, had imposed a cost of Rs. 25,000 on the Delhi CM, accusing him of
“making a mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act.”
