2 hrs ago
Delhi HC Expands Surety Options for DUSU Election Candidates
The Delhi High Court changed one rule for students running in DUSU elections.
The rule requires a ₹1 lakh promise of payment if election rules are broken.
The court said the promise can come from anyone who can afford it, not only a student’s parents or guardian.
Delhi University said the rule helps protect college walls and other property from campaign damage.
The university said the same rule was used in the 2025 elections.
AISA argued that the rule can make it harder for some adult students to contest.
It especially raised concerns about students who are financially independent or whose families may not support them.
The DUSU elections are planned for September 18, with results due the next day.
The Delhi High Court ruled that anyone financially able to pay ₹1 lakh may act as surety for DUSU election candidates.
The court said the surety need not be provided only by a candidate’s parents or guardians.
The ruling followed a petition by AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar challenging Delhi University’s affidavit requirement.
Delhi University said the bond is intended to prevent campaign-related damage to college and public property.
DUSU elections are scheduled for September 18, with results expected on September 19.
- Who
- The Delhi High Court, Delhi University, DUSU candidates, and AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar are involved.
- What
- The court ruled that any financially capable person may provide the ₹1 lakh surety required for DUSU election candidates, rather than only parents or guardians.
- Where
- The case was heard by the Delhi High Court in New Delhi and concerns Delhi University and its colleges.
- When
- The order was passed on Thursday; the DUSU elections are scheduled for September 18, with results expected on September 19.
- Why
- Delhi University said the bond is meant to deter election-related violations and damage to college or public property, while AISA challenged the requirement as potentially restricting student participation.
Student-access concerns
University property protection
Parental consent and surety
Student-access concerns
AISA said adult university students should be able to contest without parental or institutional consent and argued that the requirement could restrict autonomous students.
University property protection
Delhi University said requiring a solvent surety ensures that someone can pay if a candidate violates the election undertaking.
Financial barrier
Student-access concerns
AISA argued that the ₹1 lakh indemnity condition could make DUSU elections inaccessible to students without financial or political backing, including some women and financially independent students.
University property protection
The university defended the bond as a safeguard against campaign-related damage to college walls and other public or university property.
Key facts
- Surety amount
- Up to ₹1 lakh
- Who may provide surety
- Anyone with the financial means to pay the amount, including a guardian
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Petitioners
- AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar
- Election date
- September 18
- Expected results
- September 19
- University position
- The condition aims to prevent damage to college walls and other property and was also used for the 2025 elections.
Quotes
Justice Jasmeet Singh
Delhi High Court judge hearing the challenge to the DUSU election affidavit
“The condition is fair and reasonable except that the bond need not only be given by the parents and can be given by anyone, including a guardian who is in a position to pay Rs 1 lakh and stand as a surety.”
freepressjournal.in
“Don’t let your parents give it (surety), but anyone who has the financial means can pay”
freepressjournal.in
All India Students’ Association
Student organisation that challenged the parental-consent and surety requirements
“Students who come to the university are autonomous adults who, if they so choose, can contest for office without the need for any consent from any authority whatsoever”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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