Delhi HC Warns of Action Over DUSU Poll Violence

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Sept: The Delhi High Court on Thursday pulled up Delhi University, the Centre and Delhi Police over reported incidents of violence, vandalism and other violations during campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The court warned that it could halt vote counting and postpone the declaration of results if it is not satisfied with the authorities’ action reports.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed Delhi University, the Delhi Police and the Centre to submit status reports by Friday detailing the action taken against those allegedly involved in the incidents.

The court did not stay the DUSU elections scheduled for September 18. However, it made clear that further orders, including stopping the counting of votes or postponing the results, could follow if the reports do not satisfy the Bench.

The proceedings arose from an application filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda in a 2017 petition concerning defacement of public property during student elections. During Thursday’s hearing, allegations were raised regarding violence on the university campus and violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and earlier court directions.

The Bench said student elections are intended to serve as a democratic training ground but that the conduct reflected in the material placed before it could not be permitted. The court also questioned the authorities about their ability to control alleged misconduct involving students and outsiders.

The hearing followed reported clashes during the final phase of campaigning, including an incident involving supporters of the ABVP and NSUI near the Law Centre in North Campus. Reports also alleged incidents involving students and a teacher. The allegations are subject to investigation and should not be treated as established findings against any individual or organisation.

The court also referred to alleged violations involving campaign vehicles, defacement and other election-related conduct. The Lyngdoh Committee guidelines prohibit candidates and their supporters from defacing or damaging university or college property without prior written permission. A Delhi High Court order passed in August 2026 reiterated this requirement.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, described the alleged conduct as reprehensible and said those responsible should be proceeded against. He also submitted that the current election process had been considerably more peaceful than the previous year, according to the court record.

The court had on Wednesday declined to stay the DUSU elections in a separate matter concerning alleged political interference. It held that mere membership of a political party’s student wing does not by itself make a student ineligible to contest, while directing authorities to prevent political party interference in the election process.

The DUSU elections are scheduled for September 18, with the results expected on September 19. The contest includes four central posts—president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary—with candidates backed by major student organisations including ABVP, NSUI, AISA and SFI.

The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Friday.