Delhi High Court Upholds PM Modi's Privacy Over Degree Details

The Delhi High Court overturned a CIC order demanding disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bachelor's degree, citing it as personal information without public interest. Justice Sachin Datta emphasized the importance of distinguishing public curiosity from public interest in this legal decision.

The Delhi High Court has quashed a Central Information Commission (CIC) order which demanded the disclosure of details concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bachelor's degree, labeling it as personal information. Justice Sachin Datta, who heard the case, clarified that while public curiosity exists, it doesn't equate to a legitimate public interest.

This ruling emerged from a plea filed by Delhi University challenging the CIC directive, which was initially rooted in a Right to Information (RTI) application. The court stayed the original CIC order, arguing that educational qualifications aren't statutory requirements for public office.

The court highlighted the RTI Act's intention to promote government transparency, not sensationalism. The verdict underscored the protection of personal information under the RTI Act, emphasizing the absence of genuine public interest in the disclosure of such details.

(With inputs from agencies.)