The University of Rajasthan has turned down a request to confer an honorary doctorate on Cherie Booth to mark its golden jubilee, made by L. M. Singhvi, the Indian high commissioner in London, to B. R. Bhagat, governor of Rajasthan and chancellor of the university. Officials have said it is unusual for a high commissioner to write to a university to recommend an honorary degree for a foreigner. "He was probably carried away by his personal friendship with Ms Booth," an official said.