We Can Only Hope No Violations Take Place in DUSU Polls: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, September 16, said that no violations of regulatory measures should take place during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, adding that the responsibility to ensure this lies with the University, Delhi Police, and student organisations.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed, “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.”

Court has now scheduled the matter for further hearing tomorrow at 4 PM. The DUSU Elections 2025 are slated to be held on September 18.

The Bench was hearing a fresh plea by Advocate Prashant Manchanda, who highlighted the failure of authorities to check violations of the Lyngdoh Committee norms and other rules. During the proceedings, Manchanda also placed before the Court photographs of alleged violations. However, counsel appearing for NSUI submitted that the photographs were from the previous year.

Responding to this, the Court remarked, “See today’s photographs. No criminal trial is taking place; there is no reason for the petitioner to force photographs. See the sticker on the vehicle.”

Recording its directions, the Court said, “The status report filed on behalf of Delhi Police is taken on record. An affidavit filed by the DUSU Chief Returning Officer is also taken on record. Certain documents filed on behalf of Respondent No. 8, including various circulars, are taken on record. A circular issued to certain candidates filed on behalf of Respondent No. 7 is also taken on record. Photographs and suggestions filed by the petitioner are taken on record.”

Yesterday, the High Court had cautioned candidates contesting the DUSU elections, orally observing that any violation of its directions would be treated as contempt of court. The Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela stressed that the role of student organisations would be crucial and directed office bearers to ensure that their candidates follow the rules.

Advocate Manchanda, appearing in person, presented photographs and videos to show alleged defacement and the 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, submitted that personnel had been mobilised and adequate steps were being taken. The University also informed the court that various measures had already been implemented.

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. The Court had even halted the counting and release of results until the walls defaced with posters were cleaned and repainted

The DUSU elections have often come under the scrutiny of the court, which has consistently issued orders to ensure that the polls are held in accordance with the Lyngdoh Committee’s directions.

The present matter has now been listed for hearing on Wednesday.

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

Hearing Date: 16 September

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