New Delhi, Sept 18: The Delhi High Court on Friday prohibited victory processions following the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections and directed the Delhi Police to ensure that no such gatherings are held on roads, university campuses, colleges or hostels.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said violations of the court’s directions could attract criminal and administrative action, besides contempt proceedings.The court’s direction came amid concerns over alleged violence, clashes, vehicle cavalcades and other instances of unruly behaviour reported during the DUSU election campaign.
The Bench observed that repeated violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations suggested that existing measures by Delhi University and the police had not proved sufficient as a deterrent.
During the hearing, the court questioned the reported movement of a cavalcade involving around 20 vehicles and sought clarification from the police on how vehicles without registration plates were allegedly being used on public roads.
The Bench also expressed concern over students allegedly standing on the roofs and bonnets of vehicles, observing that such activities could create fear and a sense of dominance during the election process.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, informed the court that 998 challans had been issued, 30 vehicles impounded and six FIRs registered. Four students had also been arrested, while one student was reportedly rusticated.
The court was also informed about an alleged assault on a teacher. Police officials said the accused was a student and that three other students had also been arrested in connection with the incident.
The High Court asked Delhi University about the disciplinary measures taken against the students. The university said show-cause notices had been issued to those concerned.
The Bench said criminal proceedings initiated by the police should be taken to their logical conclusion and questioned whether existing administrative measures were sufficient to prevent similar incidents.
The court also discussed the possibility of imposing “collective electoral damages” on students found violating election norms and on student organisations associated with such violations. It directed that notices be issued to student organisations and their candidates.
Around 140 candidates are contesting the DUSU elections, the court was informed.The petitioner, advocate Prashant Manchanda, was directed to compile a report within two weeks identifying students who may have violated election norms.
The petition before the court sought effective implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement provisions and the code of conduct applicable to the DUSU elections.
The court’s directions came as polling for the DUSU elections was underway on Friday, with counting scheduled to conclude by Saturday.
Under the latest direction, candidates, supporters, students and other persons will not be permitted to take out victory processions following the declaration of results.
