Gujarat HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi's degree

New Delhi: The Gujarat High Court has set aside the Central Information Commission's (CIC) 2016 order directing the Gujarat University to furnish information regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's M.A. degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of ₹25,000 upon the Chief Minister of Delhi to be deposited with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority.

Gujarat HC rules in favour of Gujarat University

The Gujarat High Court ruled in favour of Gujarat University on March 31, 2023, and set aside the 2016 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) that directed

the university to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's M.A. degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The court also imposed a cost of ₹25,000 on Kejriwal to be deposited with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority.

The court's decision comes after Gujarat University filed a petition challenging the CIC's order. The CIC had directed the university to provide a copy of Modi's master's degree to Kejriwal under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The High Court concluded the hearing on Thursday, March 30, 2023, on Gujarat University's petition seeking to quash the CIC's order. The

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university argued that the CIC's order was passed without jurisdiction and violated Modi's right to privacy.

During the hearing, the court noted that Kejriwal had no locus standi to seek information on Modi's degree from Gujarat University. The court also observed that the CIC's order was passed without giving an opportunity to the university to be heard.

The court's decision is likely to be seen as a victory for Modi, who has faced numerous allegations regarding his educational qualifications. Modi's degree became a matter of controversy during the 2014 general elections when the opposition raised questions about

its authenticity.

The Gujarat University has maintained that it provided all the information sought by the CIC, but the commission directed it to provide a copy of Modi's degree as well. The university argued that Modi's degree was confidential and could not be disclosed under the RTI Act.

The Gujarat High Court's decision to set aside the CIC's order is likely to be seen as a relief for Modi, who has faced criticism regarding his educational qualifications. The court's decision also highlights the importance of balancing an individual's right to privacy with the public's right to information.