Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation & ORS v. Central Information Commission & ORS

$~5 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 11933/2015 and CM APPL. 31673/2015, CM APPL. 17061/2016 VINAYAKA MISSIONS RESEARCH FOUNDATION & ORS .....Petitioners Through:

Mr. Amitesh Kumar and Ms. Priti Kumari and Mr. Pankaj Kumar Ray, Advocates.

versus CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION & ORS .....Respondents Through:

Mr. Karthik Sundar and Mr. Kartikay Kumar, Advocates for R-2.

Mr Manoj Ranjan Sinha and Mr Vishal Agrawal, Advocates for R-3.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV

O R D E R

% 08.04.2026 1.

The impugned order passed by the Central Information Commission (CIC) was stayed by this Court on 22.12.2015 and the interim order was made absolute on 25.02.2016.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner and the private respondent i.e. respondent no.2, fairly concedes that the issue involved herein is answered against the private respondent and in favour of the petitioner. The same The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 10/04/2026 at 12:43:18

would mean that the deemed universities are not covered under the definition of public authority as envisaged under Section 2(h)(d) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act). The impugned order is, therefore, set aside.

3.

In view of the aforesaid, the application and all consequential action under the RTI Act, stands rejected.

4.

The petition, along with pending applications, stands disposed of. PURUSHAINDRA KUMAR KAURAV, J APRIL 8, 2026 aks The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 10/04/2026 at 12:43:18