The Delhi University on Tuesday stated in the Delhi High Court that mere “interest to public” was not the same as “public interest”, warranting a disclosure under Right to Information (RTI). The DU challenged a December 21, 2016 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC), allowing inspection of records of all students who cleared the BA exam in 1978 -- the year PM Modi also passed it.
The Solicitor General said DU held the information in a fiduciary capacity and “mere curiosity” in the absence of public interest did not entitle anyone to seek private information under the RTI law.
Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the RTI applicant, argued that the RTI Act provided for disclosure of such information in greater public good. “The fact that it relates to an old degree does not immunise the information from being republished. Marks, whether pass or fail, are not external or pre-existing information given by a student in fiduciary capacity. It is generated by the university in the process,” he stated.
Published - February 12, 2025 01:58 am IST
