NEW DELHI: Amid growing criticism of Narendra Modi’s qualification to head the Indian government — particularly after his May debacle and the imposition of US tariffs—the Delhi High Court has blocked public access to his educational records, quashing a 2016 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had permitted inspection of his B.A. degree details from Delhi University.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Justice Sachin Dutta of the Delhi High Court ruled that “something of interest to the public is different from something in the public interest,” as he struck down the CIC’s directive that would have allowed an RTI activist to examine Delhi University’s 1978 records — the year Modi allegedly graduated.
The court also set aside the CIC’s order directing the CBSE to disclose the Class X and XII records of BJP leader Smriti Irani, saying there was “no implicit public interest” in the information sought.
Observers note that Modi has given conflicting statements about his academic qualifications, raising serious questions over why the government is reluctant to verify the prime minister’s claims. Civil society activists argue that the refusal undermines transparency and accountability in public life, particularly when leaders themselves demand high standards of scrutiny from others.
Legal experts warn the judgment sets a precedent shielding influential figures from legitimate questions of public accountability, reducing the Right to Information Act to a hollow mechanism when applied to those in power.
The Delhi University had contended that the information sought was “personal data” of students, held in a fiduciary capacity, and disclosure could have “far-reaching adverse consequences.” The High Court upheld this argument, despite widespread demands that elected leaders must not hide behind technicalities to avoid public scrutiny.
Critics say the ruling reflects the Modi regime’s broader culture of secrecy and evasion, where instead of fostering openness, institutions are increasingly used to protect those in power while denying ordinary citizens their right to know.
