The state High Court today overturned an order directing Gujarat University to reveal details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree, stating that the information is not required. The Gujarat High Court also fined Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 25,000 for requesting the information. Kejriwal has four weeks to deposit the money with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority.
Mr. Kejriwal responded to the order and fine by tweeting, “Doesn’t the country have the right to know how educated their Prime Minister is?” They were adamant about not revealing his degree in court. Why? And the person who requests the degree will be fined? What is going on? A PM who is uneducated or undereducated is dangerous to the country.”
In 2016, the Central Information Commission directed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Gujarat University, and Delhi University to provide information on PM Modi’s graduation and post-graduation degrees in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request.
Gujarat University appealed the order to the High Court.
According to PM Modi’s campaign materials, he graduated from Gujarat University in 1978 and earned his Master’s degree from Delhi University in 1983.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued last month during hearings that the university should not be forced to disclose this information.
“It makes no difference whether the person holding the office has a doctorate or is illiterate in a democracy.” In addition, there is no public interest in this matter.”Even his privacy is jeopardized,” said the top government lawyer, who insisted that the PM’s degrees had no bearing on his role.
“We cannot be asked to provide information in order to satisfy someone’s childish and irresponsible curiosity,” Mr Mehta said.
According to the Solicitor General, RTI requests should be related to public activity. “They are not permitted to inquire as to what I had for breakfast.” “However, they can inquire as to how much was spent on breakfast,” he added.
Mr. Kejriwal’s lawyer pointed out that educational qualifications were listed on election nomination forms. “We’re asking for a degree certificate, not his mark sheet,” Percy Kavina explained.
The court order comes in Mr Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) aggressive campaign emphasizing the PM’s educational credentials. The party has put up posters in many cities criticizing Prime Minister Modi.
