Jaipur, Dec 20: The Rajasthan High Court has refused to direct immediate conduct of student union elections in universities and colleges across the state, holding that while such polls are a democratic right, they cannot override the fundamental right to education.
Justice Sameer Jain delivered the verdict on Tuesday while disposing of a batch of petitions challenging the prolonged suspension of student union elections.
The court directed the state government to frame a comprehensive policy on the conduct of student union polls and ordered the constitution of a high-level committee to examine the issue.
The committee has been asked to consult all stakeholders, including students, university authorities and government officials, and complete the consultation process by January 19, 2026.
The court made it clear that if the elections continue to be deferred, the state government must place “strong and valid reasons” on record to justify the decision.
During the hearing, the petitioners argued that student representation through elected unions was an essential democratic right, citing various Supreme Court precedents in support of their plea.
The state government, however, contended that student union elections disrupt academic activities, particularly at a time when institutions are implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). It also referred to the Lingdoh Committee guidelines, stating that the stipulated timeline for holding elections had already lapsed.
The high court also barred the use of campus facilities for general election activities, observing that such practices in the past had adversely affected academic schedules.
Student leader Neeraj Khinchad welcomed the court’s order, describing the decision to constitute a committee as a positive step towards dialogue on the issue.
Student organisations across political affiliations also termed the directive a move towards restoring campus democracy, while ensuring that academic activities remain unaffected.
The court said the recommendations of the committee would be crucial in striking a balance between student representation and uninterrupted education in the state’s higher education institutions.
