RTI not to satisfy curiosity: DU tells HC on Modi's degree

The University of Delhi challenged a Central Information Commission order that mandated the disclosure of 1978 student records, arguing that such information is held in a fiduciary capacity. Legal representatives contended that the Right to Information Act was not designed to satisfy third-party curiosity or arbitrary demands for indiscriminate data. They emphasized that disclosing personal details to outsiders without establishing a pressing public interest undermines legal exemptions designed to protect individual privacy and institutional trust. This dispute highlights the critical tension between transparency mandates and the protection of private data within public institutions. The university asserted that allowing unrestricted access to historical student records would set an impractical precedent, potentially overwhelming administrative systems and reducing the integrity of official records. By resisting the disclosure of names and marks of students who passed a specific exam year, the institution argued that the law must distinguish between genuine accountability needs and frivolous inquiries that do not serve the public good. This case is highly relevant to open data because it defines the boundaries of what should be made publicly accessible. It illustrates how open data initiatives must balance the goal of government transparency with the necessity of preserving data privacy and fiduciary responsibilities. The outcome determines whether historical educational records become part of the general public domain or remain protected personal information, shaping how institutions manage data sharing and compliance with information rights laws.

Source: rediff.com
Published on 2025-01-14

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