The Delhi High Court on Friday prohibited candidates and students from taking out victory processions after the declaration of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election results on Saturday evening, citing repeated violations during the poll campaign, including weapon-brandishing, luxury car cavalcades and the alleged assault of a teacher.
A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also issued notices to 140 candidates over conduct stated to be in breach of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, the model code of conduct and earlier court orders.
The court further called upon student organisations to explain why exemplary electoral damages should not be imposed on them for violations committed during the elections. It indicated that such damages could be imposed collectively on student bodies as well as individually on students found violating the norms.
Police Report 49 Vehicles Impounded, Over 5,400 Challans Issued
During the hearing, the Delhi Police informed the bench that 49 vehicles had been impounded, more than 5,400 challans issued and four persons arrested in connection with violations related to the DUSU polls.
Taking note of the figures and incidents brought before it, the court observed that there could be no doubt about frequent and recurring violations.
The bench said the situation needed to be checked by all means. In view of repeated violations by candidates and student organisations, it proposed imposing collective electoral damages not only on individual students found violating the norms but also on student organisations.
The court directed Delhi University, the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to remain vigilant and take proactive action against persons and students found violating the applicable rules.
Victory Processions Barred On Roads, Campuses And In Hostels
Referring to its experience with previous elections, the High Court directed that no victory procession should be taken out following the declaration of results. The prohibition applies not only to public roads but also to college campuses and hostels.
The bench placed responsibility on the Delhi Police to ensure compliance with the direction. It warned that any breach would invite criminal and administrative action against the candidates, students and their supporters involved, besides amounting to contempt of court.
Court Questions Police Over Luxury Car Cavalcades
The bench also questioned the police over campaign cavalcades involving vehicles without registration plates and asked how such vehicles were permitted to travel on public roads and enter areas around Delhi University’s North Campus.
The court referred to cavalcades comprising several cars and questioned what deterrent measures the police had taken against such conduct. It observed that these cavalcades could create a sense of terror, fear and hegemony by candidates.
The bench also took exception to persons standing on car rooftops and bonnets during the campaign and questioned why such conduct had been allowed.
Addressing the police orally, the court said officials should not feel constrained from acting merely because those involved were students. Referring to incidents involving weapons and luxury car cavalcades, the bench questioned whether persons engaging in such conduct could be treated simply as students and observed that such activities were affecting facilities meant for genuine students.
