Delhi HC Bars Victory Processions After DUSU Results, Says Violations Will Attract Contempt

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, September 17, directed that no victory processions shall be carried out by candidates or their supporters after the results of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections are announced on September 19, 2025.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed, “We direct that after the declaration of results, no victory procession shall be taken out by any candidate or supporter.”

The Court added that it was not interfering with the conduct of the elections, but warned, “If your reports are not positive, then counting may take place, but we would stop the functioning of office bearers. If it is not satisfactory, if elections are not conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, we will pass such orders.”

The directions came during the hearing of a fresh plea by Advocate Prashant Manchanda, who alleged that authorities had failed to curb violations of Lyngdoh Committee norms and other rules. During the hearing, Manchanda placed before the Court photographs showing alleged violations being carried out by candidates, despite the Court’s September 10 order stating that no violations should take place.

The Court took on record a status report filed by the Delhi Police, along with the photographs submitted by the petitioner. It noted that campaigning had officially ended, with polling scheduled for September 18 and counting for September 19.

Directing Delhi Police, the University administration, and civil authorities to remain vigilant, the judges said, “All possible steps must be taken to ensure that, whether before, during, or after polling, no untoward incident occurs and no violation of regulatory norms is permitted. In our earlier order, we had already indicated that any violation, whether by a student-candidate or a non-candidate, shall be viewed seriously and may amount to contempt of court. We reiterate the same.”

Delhi Police and University officials have been asked to file a detailed status report on any violations and the action taken. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on Friday, September 19.

Yesterday, the High Court had observed that no violations of regulatory measures should take place during the DUSU elections and that the responsibility to ensure compliance lay with the University, Delhi Police, and student organisations. Court remarked, “We can only hope and expect that no violation of regulatory measures takes place during elections. This shall be the responsibility of the University authorities, Delhi Police, and the organisations to which the candidates belong.”

On Monday, the Court had also orally cautioned candidates that any violation of its directions would be treated as contempt of court. Stressing the importance of student organisations, the Bench directed their office bearers to ensure that rules were followed.

During that hearing, Advocate Manchanda presented photographs and videos showing alleged defacement and use of muscle power during campaigning. He told the Court that candidates were “bringing JCBs and deploying as many as 200 bouncers.” The Delhi Police, however, assured the Court that adequate personnel had been mobilised, while the University submitted that preventive measures were already in place.

Last year too, the Court had pulled up students contesting the DUSU elections for widespread defacement across the city. A Bench led by then Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Gedela had directed candidates to file undertakings against defacement and mutilation of public property. It had even halted counting and release of results until defaced university walls were cleaned and repainted.

The DUSU elections have frequently come under the scanner, with the Court consistently issuing directions to ensure compliance with Lyngdoh Committee norms.

The present matter will now be taken up again on September 19, after polling and counting conclude.

Case Title: Prashant Manchanda v. Union of India & Ors

Hearing Date: September 17, 2025

Bench: Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela