Delhi High Court Puts Conditions on DU Student Elections Over Vandalism Concerns
New Delhi, September 26: The Delhi High Court has allowed Delhi University (DU) to continue with the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections but imposed a crucial condition. The university is barred from counting votes until it satisfies the court that all campaign-related materials like posters, hoardings, and graffiti have been removed and public property restored.
Strict Conditions Imposed
The bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and ballot boxes must be safely stored until further orders. The court criticized the university for failing to supervise the election process properly and directed civic authorities to recover any damages caused by rule violations from the university administration.
Concerns Over Rule Violations
The court expressed serious concerns over the apparent flouting of rules by candidates and noted the absence of an internal mechanism to monitor compliance. The court emphasized the need for action, stating, “You can’t turn a blind eye to it.” The matter is set for further hearing on October 21, 2024.
Warnings and Directives
On Wednesday, the court warned that the DUSU polls could be deferred if the defacement caused during the campaign is not addressed. The court questioned the large amounts of money spent by candidates, raising concerns about transparency and fairness. The Vice Chancellor was directed to take these issues seriously, with the possibility of annulling the polls if necessary.
University’s Response
Delhi University informed the court that it had issued a circular to all candidates, making them aware of the rules and the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, which govern student elections in India. These guidelines aim to ensure fair practices, including limits on campaign spending and the prohibition of defacement of public property.
Public Interest Litigation
The court’s concern arose from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, seeking a complete ban on the defacement of public property during elections. The PIL also called for heavy fines on political parties and candidates to deter them from damaging public spaces.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in Delhi, India, where important legal decisions are made.
DU -: DU stands for Delhi University, a famous university in Delhi where many students study.
DUSU -: DUSU stands for Delhi University Students’ Union, a group of students elected to represent all students in the university.
vandalism -: Vandalism means damaging or destroying things on purpose, like breaking windows or writing on walls.
campaign materials -: Campaign materials are things like posters, banners, and flyers used by students to ask for votes during elections.
public property -: Public property is anything that belongs to everyone, like parks, roads, and buildings.
supervise -: To supervise means to watch over something to make sure it is done correctly.
damages -: Damages mean the money that has to be paid to fix something that was broken or harmed.
rule violations -: Rule violations mean breaking the rules or not following the guidelines.
campaign expenditures -: Campaign expenditures are the money spent on things like posters and events to get people to vote for someone.
annulled -: Annulled means to cancel something, like saying the election didn’t count.
