Delhi High Court Criticizes Defacement During Delhi University Elections
The Delhi High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the authorities’ failure to act against those responsible for defacing public property during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The court highlighted the widespread issue of posters, banners, and graffiti during election campaigns.
Strict Directions Issued
A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued strict directions to address the defacement. The court instructed the Delhi University counsellor to immediately issue notices to all candidates involved in defacing public property, such as DMRC stations, MCD areas, and bus stands. These candidates are to be disqualified and must remove the hoardings, flex boards, and pamphlets at their own expense within 24 hours.
Further Actions
The court also directed the counsellor to ensure the presence of the Chief Election Officer of Delhi University at the next hearing, scheduled for tomorrow. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have been tasked with providing the names of the candidates responsible for the defacement to the DU counsellor for further action.
Petitioner’s Concerns
Advocate Prashant Manchanda, the petitioner, highlighted the rampant defacement of public and metro properties by candidates contesting the DUSU elections, set for September 26, 2024. He pointed out the damage to bus stands, walls of police stations, university walls, and other public areas.
Advocate Manchanda also referenced a previous Delhi High Court judgement in Prashant Manchanda vs. UOI, where guidelines were framed to address defacement issues. The court had earlier criticized the Centre, Delhi government, and Delhi Metro for not taking adequate action against offenders.
The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Manchanda sought a complete ban on the defacement of public property during election periods and called for heavy fines on political parties and candidates to deter further damage.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in Delhi where important legal cases are decided.
Defacement -: Defacement means damaging or spoiling the appearance of something, like writing on walls or sticking posters illegally.
Delhi University Students’ Union elections -: These are elections where students of Delhi University vote to choose their leaders who will represent them.
Chief Justice Manmohan -: Chief Justice Manmohan is the main judge in the Delhi High Court.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela -: Justice Tushar Rao Gedela is another judge in the Delhi High Court.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi -: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is a local government body that takes care of civic services like cleaning streets and maintaining parks.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation -: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is the company that runs the metro trains in Delhi.
Offenders -: Offenders are people who break the rules or laws.
