The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from Delhi University (DU) on a petition challenging its recent notification mandating a ₹1 lakh security deposit as a pre-condition for contesting the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, who heard the matter, granted time to DU’s counsel to seek instructions and file a reply on the issue. The court listed the case for further hearing on August 29.
According to DU’s notification, all candidates contesting the DUSU polls are required to execute a security bond of ₹1 lakh. The stated objective of the condition is to cover potential defacement of property or violations committed by candidates themselves or their supporters during the election process.
The plea was moved by students Anjali and Abhishek Kumar, who intend to contest the upcoming elections. They argued that the mandatory bond is “ultra vires” to the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, which govern student union elections in universities.
The petitioners contended that the financial imposition amounts to an arbitrary classification based on wealth, effectively excluding ordinary students while giving an undue advantage to affluent candidates. They claimed that the notification violates Article 14 (right to equality), Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and democratic participation), and Article 21 (right to life with dignity and equal opportunity) of the Constitution.
The High Court will hear the matter again on August 29, after DU files its response.
