Delhi High Court Urges Delhi University to Consider 50% Women’s Reservation in Student Elections
New Delhi, September 11: The Delhi High Court has directed the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and other relevant authorities to address a plea seeking the implementation of 50% women’s reservation in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections. The plea, filed by Shabana Hussain, a student of Delhi University, emphasizes the need for gender equality in student governance.
The bench, led by Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, instructed the authorities to make a decision on the plea within three weeks. The petition calls for the Central Government, UGC, and Delhi University to reserve 50% of seats for female students in both DUSU and college student union elections.
The plea highlights the recent enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which reserves 33% of seats for women in State Assembly and Parliament elections, as a timely precedent for Delhi University to follow. The petition stresses the importance of substantial women’s reservation to promote gender equality in student governance.
Shabana Hussain, represented by Advocate Ashu Bhiduri, has been advocating for women’s reservation in student union elections for the past two years. She points out that despite 75 years of independence, women still face significant challenges and discrimination. She emphasizes that the Constitution, crafted by BR Ambedkar, guarantees equality and participation for women, and stresses the importance of political representation for true empowerment.
The notification for the DUSU elections has been issued, with the nomination process starting on September 17, 2024, and the election date set for September 27, 2024. Shabana highlights that the student union elections are heavily influenced by money and muscle power, resulting in minimal participation of women. She has approached the Delhi High Court to ensure women’s representation through reservation in the upcoming elections.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in Delhi, India, where important legal decisions are made.
Delhi University -: Delhi University is a famous university in Delhi where many students go to study different subjects.
50% women’s reservation -: This means that half of the positions in student elections should be reserved for women to ensure they have equal representation.
student union elections -: These are elections where students vote to choose their leaders who will represent them in the university.
plea -: A plea is a request made to a court asking for a specific decision or action.
gender equality -: Gender equality means treating people of all genders the same and giving them the same opportunities.
Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela -: These are the names of the judges who are making the decision in this case.
33% women’s reservation in state and parliament elections -: This means that one-third of the seats in state and national elections are reserved for women to ensure they have a fair chance to participate.
advocating -: Advocating means supporting or arguing in favor of a cause or idea.
empowerment -: Empowerment means giving people the power and confidence to make their own decisions and control their own lives.
representation -: Representation means having people who speak or act on behalf of others, making sure their voices are heard.
