The Gujarat HC on Friday came down heavily against Arvind Kejriwal and quashed a 2016 order by the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), by which it directed the Gujarat University to supply Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post-graduation degree to Delhi chief minister under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (RTI).
The court said PM Modi’s degree certificates were available on media, social media, and on the University website, adding that the respondent (Arvind Kejriwal) never questioned the authenticity of the degree during the pendency of the proceedings or even during the final hearing. The court also fined Arvind Kejriwal Rs 25,000 and concluded that there has been an indiscriminate misuse of the salutary provisions of the RTI Act.
So Gujarat High Court not only fined Kejriwal Rs 25,000 but also exposed the dirty Politics of Kejriwal.
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) March 31, 2023
Court says that PM's degree was available on media, social media and even on University website.
Still Kejriwal did controversy knowing that Degrees doesn't come under RTI. pic.twitter.com/MozRZtLT9G
“In the present case, the manner in which a request came from Respondent No.2 who was neither an Applicant nor an appellant and was merely a respondent before the CIC leaves much to be desired. Such requests cannot be made so casually making a mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act,” the court witheringly noted.
The court further added that documents including degrees fall within the personal information of a citizen, which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
Gujarat High Court said that Kejriwal didn't question authenticity of PM's degree uploaded on University website during court proceedings.
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) March 31, 2023
But still wanted to create unwanted controversy by asking for it through RTI. Knowing very well that University can't give Degrees to 3rd… pic.twitter.com/T10O4IbzHJ
The Solicitor General of India slammed Arvind Kejriwal, terming his irresponsible requests and mechanical exercise of statutory powers thereafter that the very heart and soul of the Right to Information Act is destroyed and some individuals abuse the provisions of the Act either out of curiosity or at times even for some oblique purpose and for achieving some collateral objects.
Gujarat High Court makes 2 important points.
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) March 31, 2023
1. Clearly says that educational documents is personal information and doesn't come under RTI.
2. Degree of Prime Minister was uploaded on the university website and PM has nothing to hide.
Then why this drama over PM's degree… pic.twitter.com/ZKq8bXYTkF
The Gujarat High Court ruled that Prime Minister’s Office is not required to furnish the graduate and post-graduate degrees of PM Modi. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Delhi CM Kejriwal for seeking the details about PM Modi’s degree certificates. Kejriwal has been given four weeks to deposit the amount with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority. Besides, the court also refused to grant a stay on the judgment.
