RTI’s purpose not to satisfy curiosity, Delhi University tells HC over Modi’s degree row

RTI’s purpose not to satisfy curiosity, Delhi University tells HC over Modi’s degree row

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI  15.01.2025

Delhi University on Monday argued before the Delhi High Court that the purpose of a petition under the RTI Act was not to satiate a third party’s curiosity as it challenged the Central Information Commission (CIC) order over the disclosure of information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational degree.

Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta said students’ information was held by a university in a “fiduciary capacity” and could not be divulged “to a stranger” for the law exempted it.

“Section 6 provides a mandate that information will have to be given, that is the purpose. But the RTI Act is not for the purpose of satisfying someone’s curiosity,” Mr. Mehta said.

The RTI law could not be abused or misused by directing disclosure of information unrelated to transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities, Mr. Mehta argued.

On the RTI petition of an activist, Neeraj, the CIC had on December 21, 2016, allowed the inspection of records of all students who had cleared the BA exam in 1978, the year Mr. Modi also passed it.

The petition sought details of students who wrote the examination in 1978. The CIC’s order was, however, stayed by the High Court in 2017.

Mr. Mehta called the CIC’s order contrary to established law, and said “indiscriminate and impractical” demands under the RTI Act for the disclosure of “all and sundry” information would be counterproductive, and adversely affect the efficiency of the administration.

“He wants everybody’s information in 1978. Somebody can come and say 1979. This university was established in 1922,” Mr. Mehta said.