Delhi HC Issues Notice to DUSU Winners, Seeks Media Footage of Poll Violations

As the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) results were announced, the Delhi High Court on Friday, September 20, issued notices to several candidates, including the newly elected President from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parisad (ABVP), Aryan Maan, Secretary Kunal Chaudhry, and others, for alleged violations of its earlier order dated September 17, which had prohibited victory processions after the declaration of results.

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela expressed its dismay at the conduct of the candidates, stating," It is very very painful. You can imagine the pain. Despite our strict orders, everyone knew that the elections were being monitored. Yet the candidates, even the ones you are defending, have not abided by the rules and regulations. Where are we heading? Our progeny is not going to benefit from this. None of the candidates has even read the order. These are not minor concerns. Unfortunately such issues are commonplace these days.”

Court, while appreciating the actions taken by the Delhi Police, nonetheless voiced its deepest disappointment with the students themselves. “Sabse zyada nirash toh main students se hoon,” the Chief Justice observed, adding that the violations committed by students were “shameful” and that the University had failed to take any corrective action.

The judges further questioned the nature of campaigning witnessed during the student elections, remarking: “What can be worse than such campaigns in student union elections? The use of JCBs, big luxury cars, and four-wheelers is unheard of. From where do they get such big cars, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferraris? How are students affording these? We haven’t even heard of such cars.”

The observations came during the hearing of a fresh plea filed by Advocate Prashant Manchanda, who alleged that the authorities had failed to curb violations of the Lyngdoh Committee norms and other rules. During the hearing, Manchanda placed before the Court photographs showing alleged violations by candidates, despite the Court’s earlier orders.

After hearing the submissions, the Court decided to implead the students as parties to the petition. It also directed that AAJ Tak and ETV Bharat Delhi be impleaded as party respondents. This direction came after it was submitted that, despite the Court’s earlier orders, violations had been reported and broadcast by these news channels.

Accordingly, the Court ordered that AAJ Tak and ETV Bharat furnish video footage of their coverage of the University elections from September 10, 2025, to September 19, 2025. The footage is to be submitted in electronic form on a pen drive, and both channels have been directed to preserve all relevant material concerning the elections.

Earlier, the 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

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 November 5.

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

Hearing Date: September 20, 2025

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