New Delhi, Sept 17: The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought reports from Delhi University and the Delhi Police on measures taken to prevent violence and alleged vandalism during campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
The court’s intervention came a day before polling, scheduled for September 18, following allegations of clashes, attacks and other incidents during the final phase of campaigning.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Teja Karia said authorities must take effective steps to maintain order on the campus. The bench indicated that while it was not stopping the scheduled polling at this stage, it could consider delaying the counting of votes or declaration of results if the reports submitted by the authorities were found inadequate.
The court directed Delhi University and the police to place details of the action taken in connection with the reported incidents before it on Friday.
The matter relates to a long-pending petition concerning alleged defacement of public property and violations of norms governing student elections. Lawyer Prashant Manchanda, who moved the petition, raised concerns over the alleged failure to effectively implement the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee.
The committee’s guidelines were framed to promote transparent and orderly student elections and restrict practices involving excessive expenditure, intimidation and the use of force.
The latest hearing followed reports of clashes between supporters of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) near the Law Centre in North Campus during the last phase of campaigning. Allegations were also made that some students and a faculty member were injured in incidents on campus.
The court expressed concern over reports of violence involving students and teachers and stressed that authorities have a responsibility to maintain law and order during the election process.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, said the reported conduct was unacceptable and that those responsible should face action. He also submitted that the situation during this year’s election was considerably better than that witnessed during the previous year’s polls.
The DUSU elections are being held for four central posts — president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary. Major student organisations in the contest include ABVP, NSUI, AISA and SFI.
In the 2025 elections, ABVP secured three central panel positions, including the president’s post, while NSUI won the vice-president’s position.
The High Court is scheduled to take up the matter again on Friday, when the reports from the university and police are expected to be considered.
