New Delhi, Sep 23: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from Delhi University (DU) on allegations that some candidates and their supporters organised victory processions after the declaration of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election results, despite a court directive prohibiting such celebrations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notice to the university while hearing an application seeking contempt proceedings against DU and the candidates allegedly involved in the violation.
The court had on September 18 directed candidates, students, supporters and others not to hold victory processions following the announcement of the election results.During Wednesday’s hearing, the bench expressed concern over the alleged violation and indicated that the matter would be dealt with seriously.
The court noted that show-cause notices had already been issued to candidates who contested the elections, including those who emerged victorious, in accordance with its earlier directions.
The petitioner, advocate Prashant Manchanda, was directed to compile relevant material and evidence concerning the alleged violations and submit the dossier before the court.The counsel appearing for one of the candidates submitted that celebrations after an electoral victory can involve strong emotions.
The lawyer also pointed out that traditional drums, or ‘dhols’, were not used this year.The bench observed that the use of dhols itself was not the primary concern. It said the larger issue was the alleged display of money and muscle power associated with such activities.
The court also noted that this year’s DUSU election had witnessed an improvement in one respect, as there were no reports of defacement of public property during the polls. However, it observed that further steps were required to ensure orderly student elections.
The matter relates to a pending petition concerning alleged violations of the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee during the DUSU elections.Earlier, the court had asked student organisations and candidates to explain why electoral damages should not be imposed for alleged violations of the prescribed guidelines.
It had also warned that the counting of votes and declaration of results could be halted if appropriate action was not taken against unruly conduct.
The latest proceedings will determine how the university and the concerned candidates respond to the allegations and whether further action is warranted.
