HC quashes CIC order asking Gujarat varsity to give information on PM Modi’s degree; imposes Rs 25,000 cost on Kejriwal
PTI, Mar 31, 2023, 4:40 PM IST
Credit: Pixaby Photo
The Gujarat High Court on Friday set aside the seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC), asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).
Justice Vaishnav also refused to stay his order as requested by Kejriwal’s lawyer Percy Kavina.
In April 2016, the then CIC M Sridhar Acharyulu had directed the Delhi University and the Gujarat University to provide information to Kejriwal on the degrees that Modi received.
Three months later, the Gujarat High Court stayed the CIC order after the varsity approached it against that order.
The CIC order came a day after Kejriwal wrote to Acharyulu, saying he has no objection to government records about him being made public and wondered why the commission wanted to ”hide” information on Modi’s educational qualifications. Based on the letter, Acharyulu directed the Gujarat University to give records of Modi’s educational qualifications to Kejriwal.
During the past hearings, the Gujarat University vehemently objected to the CIC’s order saying ”irresponsible childish curiosity” of someone cannot become public interest under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. During the last hearing held in February, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the university, claimed that there was nothing to hide in the first place because information about PM’s degrees is ”already in public domain” and the university had also placed the information on its website on a particular date in the past.
Citing exceptions granted under the RTI Act for not complying with the order of the CIC, Mehta had also argued that the RTI Act is being used for settling scores and to make ”childish jabs” against opponents.
Citing some past judgements of the Supreme Court and by other high courts about the exemptions granted under section 8 of the RTI Act, Mehta also said that one cannot seek someone’s personal information just because one is curious about it.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment
Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.