The Delhi High Court on Friday issued show-cause notices to all 140 candidates contesting the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, along with student organisations including ABVP and NSUI, over alleged violations of election rules.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asked the candidates and organisations to explain why exemplary electoral damages should not be imposed for alleged violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and other election guidelines. The matter will next be heard on November 6.
The court also barred candidates, supporters and student organisations from holding victory processions after the election results are declared. The restriction applies to roads as well as the university campus and hostels. Delhi Police has been directed to ensure that no such procession takes place.
The court’s directions came amid concerns over alleged incidents during the DUSU election campaign, including the display of weapons, the use of luxury vehicles in cavalcades and an alleged incident involving the assault of a teacher after an election victory.
The bench observed that repeated administrative action by Delhi University and the Delhi Police did not appear to have prevented such incidents. It said alleged violations of the rules governing student elections had continued despite earlier measures.
The court also expressed concern over the use of large vehicle cavalcades around the campus, saying such activities could create fear among students. The judges questioned whether people involved in displaying weapons and engaging in such activities could be regarded as participating in student elections in the intended manner.
The proceedings followed an application seeking directions to ensure that Delhi University and other authorities comply with the rules governing student elections. The application alleged that outsiders had entered university campuses and that incidents of violence, vandalism and disruption had taken place during the campaign.
The court had already questioned Delhi University, Delhi Police and the Centre on Thursday over alleged violence and vandalism during campaigning. It had warned that it could consider stringent measures, including stopping the counting of votes or delaying the declaration of results, if authorities failed to demonstrate that adequate action had been taken.
During Friday’s hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre and Delhi Police, told the court that action had been taken against alleged violations. He said FIRs had been registered, vehicles had been impounded and arrests had been made in connection with incidents during the election period.
The High Court directed the Delhi Police to take the criminal proceedings already initiated to their logical conclusion. It also reiterated the need for authorities and candidates to comply with the rules governing university elections.
The DUSU election process is taking place under increased judicial scrutiny following the recent complaints and allegations surrounding campaigning. The court’s latest order places additional restrictions on candidates and organisations ahead of the declaration of results.
The notices issued to the 140 candidates do not by themselves establish that each candidate committed a violation. The candidates and organisations will have an opportunity to respond to the court’s concerns before the matter is considered further.
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