In an hearing held in last month, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the University had argued that while there is nothing to hide, the varsity could not be compelled to disclose the information.
“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 argued, while opposing the CIC direction.
SG Mehta had further 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 curiosity. Also, it should be noted that the information sought has nothing to do with his (Narendra Modi’s) role as a public figure,” he pointed out.
As per the provisions of the RTI Act, information sought must be related to the public activity, the SG had underscored.
“For instance, they cannot ask what breakfast I had but yes what amount was spent for the breakfast.”
Source: Barandbench
