The Delhi High Court on Thursday intervened in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections by ordering a halt to the counting of votes, scheduled for Friday, until all election-related defacement of property, including posters and graffiti, is cleaned up.
Presided over by Chief Justice-designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the court allowed the election process to continue but firmly stated that the counting of votes would remain suspended until the court is assured that public properties have been restored to their original state.
The decision came after the bench reviewed the current status of the university’s compliance with existing regulations against property defacement during student elections. The court emphasized the responsibility of Delhi University (DU) to manage the election process without infringing on public and civic aesthetics, chastising the university for its failure to prevent the widespread defacement conducted by the candidates.
In a significant directive, the court ordered DU to cover the expenses incurred by civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Metro, for the removal of the defacement. Additionally, the university has been authorized to recoup these costs from the candidates responsible for the violations.
The bench criticized the university’s administration for its lack of initiative in addressing these violations on its own, pointing out the disconnect between the university’s capabilities and its handling of the election’s 21 candidates. “These 21 students are bringing a bad name to the university. How can you allow this to happen? You have to exercise your powers, you don’t have to be scared of anyone,” the bench remarked, expressing frustration with the university’s passive approach.
The matter has been slated for further proceedings on October 21, during which the court expects to see significant progress in the cleanup efforts.
