Solicitor General Urges Gujarat High Court To Penalise Kejriwal Over RTI Curiosity In PM Degree Row
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Solicitor General of India , Tushar Mehta appeared virtually before the Gujarat High Court today in the long-running dispute surrounding the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's university degree, arguing that Arvind Kejriwal lacked a bona fide public interest in seeking the records.
Representing the authorities, the law officer contended that the Right to Information Act cannot be weaponised merely to satisfy public curiosity. Sifting through archives to unearth decades-old academic files would divert over 70% of the university's administrative staff from their core duties, severely impacting regular institutional functions.
The state argued that individuals filing such petitions should face substantial financial penalties to deter frivolous litigation that drains judicial resources and administrative time.
Legal Battle Originates From Defamation Suit
The ongoing legal confrontation stems from a defamation suit filed by the university against the AAP national convener over public remarks regarding the academic credentials.
Earlier proceedings saw the High Court impose a ₹25,000 penalty on Kejriwal, prompting the current round of legal challenges. The bench noted that comprehensive submissions from Kejriwal, the university, and the information commission remain pending.
Next Hearing Scheduled For October
The High Court adjourned the matter, listing the next hearing for 21 October. Legal counsel for both Kejriwal and the university are expected to present their core arguments during the upcoming session.
