Delhi High Court Instructs Delhi University To Address Appeals Concerning Prime Minister Modi's Degree Details

The Delhi High Court has mandated Delhi University to respond to appeals regarding the disclosure of Prime Minister Modi's bachelor's degree. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight significant issues surrounding privacy and transparency for public figures.

The Delhi High Court has instructed Delhi University to respond to requests for condoning the delay in filing appeals against a decision related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bachelor's degree details. A Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela has given the university three weeks to submit its objections.

Four appeals have been lodged against a single judge's ruling that overturned a Central Information Commission (CIC) directive. This directive had ordered the disclosure of PM Modi's degree information. The division Bench is reviewing appeals from RTI activist Neeraj, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, and advocate Mohd Irshad.

Legal Proceedings and Appeals

The court was informed about the delay in filing these appeals, which challenge an August order by a single judge. "Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta appears for the respondent [Delhi University]. Objection to the applications seeking condonation of delay may be filed within three weeks. Response to the said objection, if any, be filed by the appellants in two weeks thereafter," stated the Bench.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 16, 2026. The single judge had previously set aside the CIC order, arguing that holding public office does not automatically make all personal information subject to public disclosure.

Arguments Against Disclosure

The single judge emphasized that educational qualifications are not statutory requirements for holding public office or fulfilling official duties. The judge noted that if educational qualifications were mandatory for eligibility to specific public offices, the situation might differ. The CIC's approach was described as "thoroughly misconceived."

Following an RTI application by Neeraj, the CIC had permitted inspection of records for all students who passed their BA exams in 1978, including PM Modi. However, the single judge ruled out any "implicit public interest" in this information and highlighted that the RTI Act aims to enhance transparency in government operations rather than fuel sensationalism.

University's Position on Disclosure

Delhi University's counsel sought to overturn the CIC order but expressed no objection to presenting its records before the court. The high court also annulled a CIC order directing CBSE to provide Class 10 and 12 records of former Union Minister Smriti Irani.

This legal battle underscores ongoing debates about privacy and transparency concerning public figures' educational backgrounds. As this case progresses, it will continue to draw attention from various stakeholders interested in governance transparency.