The Delhi High Court has directed the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University to decide on a plea for women’s reservation in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, with a decision expected within three weeks. The court’s mandate came in response to a petition advocating for 50 percent reservation for women in these polls, highlighting gender disparities in student politics.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who presided over the case, emphasized the importance of resolving the matter expediently, particularly given the proximity to the upcoming elections scheduled for September 27, with nominations set to start on September 17.
The petitioner, Shabana Hussain, represented by advocate Ashu Bidhuri, argued that the current electoral process, dominated by financial and physical clout, significantly hinders female participation. By proposing a reservation system, Hussain aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment within the student body’s electoral process.
Furthermore, the petition also calls for the university to adhere to the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations, which were instituted by the apex court and the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development. This committee, led by former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh, was established to draft guidelines on student elections across Indian higher education institutions and submitted its report on May 26, 2006.
