The Delhi High Court on Monday ruled that Delhi University is not obligated to share Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree or academic records from the year he graduated, overturning an eight-year-old order from the Central Information Commission (CIC).

The case began in 2016 with an RTI application requesting access to the academic records of all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) course at DU in 1978—the year PM Modi is said to have graduated, as per his election affidavit.

The CIC disagreed and directed the university to allow inspection of the records, arguing that the educational qualifications of a public figure, especially the Prime Minister, are a matter of public interest and should be transparent.

The university challenged the order in the High Court. Represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, DU argued that releasing records from that year would compromise the privacy of thousands of students and set a dangerous precedent. Mehta also pointed out that the university was willing to submit the documents to the court for review but not for public release. He claimed the RTI request was politically motivated or driven by a desire for publicity.

On the other side, activists pushing for the records said that under the RTI Act, the purpose or identity of the applicant is irrelevant. They argued that a degree awarded by a public university is not a private matter, especially when it concerns the Prime Minister of the country.

The High Court had reserved its verdict in February and delivered the ruling on August 25. The decision may now be appealed in the Supreme Court.