Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
Details of PM degree not needed, says Gujarat High Court, imposes Rs 25,000 fine on Delhi CM

An order directing the Gujarat University to reveal details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree was set aside on Friday by the state High Court, stating that the information is not required. The Gujarat High Court also fined Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ₹ 25,000 for asking for these details. Within four weeks, Kejriwal must deposit the funds with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority.

The court order comes in the middle of an aggressive campaign by Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party highlighting the PM’s educational qualifications. The party has put up posters in many cities targeting PM Modi.

Reacting to the order and the fine, Kejriwal tweeted, “Doesn’t the country even have the right to know how much their PM has read? He vehemently opposed showing the degree in the court. Why? And those who demand to see their degree will be fined? What is this happening? Illiterate or less educated PM is very dangerous for the country.”

In 2016, responding to a Right to Information (RTI) request, the Central Information Commission directed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Gujarat University and Delhi University to furnish information on PM Modi’s graduation and post-graduation degrees.

The Gujarat University challenged the order before the High Court. According to PM Modi’s election paperwork, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Gujarat University in 1978 and a master’s degree from Delhi University in 1983.

During proceedings last month, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the university shouldn’t be required to reveal this information. “In a democracy, there won’t be a difference if a person holding the office is a doctorate or an illiterate. Also, there is no public interest involved in this issue. Even his privacy is affected,” he said.

“We cannot be asked to furnish the information to satisfy someone’s childish and irresponsible curiosity,” Mehta said. The Solicitor General also said information requested under RTI should be related to public activity. “They cannot ask what breakfast I had. But yes, they can ask what amount was spent for the breakfast,” he remarked.

Kejriwal’s lawyer pointed out that election nomination forms listed educational qualifications. “We are asking for a degree certificate, not his marksheet,” said Percy Kavina.

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