The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a strong caution to candidates contesting the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections scheduled for September 18, directing them to strictly comply with campaign rules and refrain from ostentatious displays such as luxury vehicles, JCBs, or rallies involving hired muscle.
A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasised that “money and muscle power is the last thing to be flowing in student elections,” warning candidates that any violations would be treated seriously. “They can’t take law into their own hands. After all, they are responsible citizens,” the court observed during the proceedings.
The observations came during the hearing of a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who alleged widespread breaches of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and the 2025-26 DUSU election code of conduct. He presented photographs showing campaign rallies where tractors and JCBs showered flowers, luxury cars were deployed, and candidates were accompanied by nearly 200 bouncers.
Though election spending is capped at ₹5,000, Manchanda argued that candidates were in fact spending crores, often repeating violations despite previous apologies.
In its order, the bench “requested” candidates to desist from such practices and reminded them that violations would amount to contempt of court. “We expect that there would be no violation till the election is over,” the judges said.
The bench also expressed displeasure at both Delhi University and Delhi Police for failing to act decisively despite earlier assurances. “Can you shirk your responsibility? Do you need court orders?” the court remarked, criticising the authorities for not implementing the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 effectively.
Police and DU Assurances
Delhi Police informed the court that it had issued challans against candidates and their supporters for dangerous driving, deployed 23 personnel at critical junctions, and set up a control room to monitor activities. The force also said it was monitoring social media accounts and had intensified patrolling after a meeting between the commissioner, Delhi University vice-chancellor, and college principals.
Delhi University stated that it had issued show-cause notices and warning letters to violators.
The High Court directed both Delhi Police and the university to submit an action taken report by September 16, when the matter will be heard again.
