The Delhi High Court has intervened in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, scheduled for Friday, by halting the counting of votes until all defacement materials, including posters, hoardings, and graffiti, are removed from public property. This ruling was announced on Thursday by a bench comprising Chief Justice-designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The court emphasized that while the election process can proceed, counting of votes will not occur until the court is satisfied that all defacement has been addressed.
Originally, the counting of votes was set to take place on Saturday. However, the court directed the university to file a fresh status report detailing the removal of defacement and ensure that electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ballot boxes are secured until further orders are given. The court also mandated that Delhi University (DU) reimburse civic authorities, such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Metro, for expenses incurred in removing the defacement, with the option to recover these costs from the candidates later.
During the proceedings, the court expressed frustration with DU’s failure to supervise the election process and discipline candidates. The judges remarked, “This is your failure… You have to pay for this,” indicating that the university’s lack of monitoring contributed to the current situation. The bench criticized DU officials for allowing a chaotic election environment, where candidates campaigned using unnumbered luxurious cars and created disturbances.
In response to concerns raised by petitioner Prashant Manchanda, the court acknowledged the need for action against candidates and student organizations involved in damaging public property. Manchanda presented photographic evidence of the widespread defacement caused by election campaigning. Another group of students echoed similar grievances, citing disruptions and the nuisance associated with the elections.
The court had previously suggested that DU either postpone the elections, disqualify candidates, or allow polling but withhold results until all defacement is removed. It emphasized the university’s responsibility as a moral authority and its capacity to discipline students effectively.
Justice Manmohan articulated the court’s concerns, stating, “You can’t deal with 21 students. These 21 students are bringing a bad name to the entire university.” The bench has scheduled further proceedings for October 21, highlighting the ongoing issue of defacement and the need for accountability among candidates and university officials as the DUSU elections unfold.
