"PM's privacy affected": Gujarat University to Gujarat High Court on RTI plea by Arvind Kejriwal for degree certificate of PM Narendra Modi

Gujarat University told the Gujarat High Court on Thursday that the Central Information Commission (CIC) direction to furnish copies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree certificate to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act) affects the PM's privacy. .During the hearing today, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the University, argued that while there is nothing to hide, the university could not be compelled to disclose the information.Even the PM's privacy would be affected, said Mehta."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," the SG said opposing the CIC direction.Justice Biren Vaishnav after hearing the parties reserved his verdict in the plea.The Court was hearing an appeal filed by the Gujarat University challenging order of the CIC directing the public information officer (PIO) of Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the PIOs of Gujarat University and Delhi University to furnish details of Modi's graduate and post graduate degrees. As per Modi, he completed graduation from Gujarat University in 1978 and Post graduation from Delhi University in 1983. .SG Mehta argued that the information sought has nothing to do with the PM's role as a public figure."We cannot be asked to furnish the information to satisfy someone's childish and irresponsible curiousity. Also, it should be noted that the information sought has nothing to do with his (Narendra Modi's) role as a public figure."Further, he argued that in a democracy there is no difference if a person holding office is a doctorate holder or an illiterate person and no public interest is involved."For instance, if one seeks information under RTI as to what is the height, bank balance etc of the President of India is, would this be logical? Does it have any public interest," the SG asked..As per the provisions of the RTI Act, information sought must be related to the public activity, the SG underscored."For instance, they cannot ask what breakfast I had but yes what amount was spent for the breakfast.".On the other hand, Senior Advocate Percy Kavina appearing for Arvind Kejriwal, countered the SG's arguments stating that there was no childish and irresponsible curiosity. "If you see the nomination form (filed during elections) mentions his educational qualifications. Thus, we are asking for a degree certificate and not his marksheet," said Kavina. He went on to clarify that the degree was not available on the internet as argued by the SG. "An interview of him (Modi) with one Rajiv Shukla is available on the net and not the degree. Thus, we sought copy of the degree," Kavina said. .[Read our coverage of the hearing below]