Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Delhi HC Expands Surety Options for DUSU Election Candidates
The Delhi High Court changed part of a rule for students running in DUSU elections.
Candidates must promise to pay up to ₹1 lakh if they or their supporters break election rules.
The court said this promise can be backed by anyone who can afford it, not only a student’s parents or guardian.
Delhi University said the rule helps pay for damage to walls and other property during campaigns.
The university said the same condition was used in the 2025 elections.
AISA argued that the rule could make it harder for some students to contest elections.
It especially raised concerns about financially independent students and women whose families may not support their political participation.
The elections are scheduled for September 18, and results are expected on September 19.
The Delhi High Court ruled that anyone with the financial means may provide a ₹1 lakh surety for DUSU candidates.
The court said the surety need not come only from a candidate’s parents or guardians.
The ruling followed a petition by AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar challenging Delhi University’s election affidavit.
Delhi University said the bond is intended to cover violations and campaign-related damage to college or public property.
The 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 act as surety for the ₹1 lakh undertaking required of DUSU election candidates.
- When
- The order was passed on Thursday; the elections are scheduled for September 18, with results expected on September 19.
- Where
- The case concerns Delhi University and its colleges and was heard by the Delhi High Court in New Delhi.
- Why
- Delhi University said the bond is meant to deter election violations and cover damage to property, while AISA argued that the condition could restrict student participation.
Student-access concerns
Election-rule enforcement
Parental consent and surety
Student-access concerns
AISA said adult university students should be able to contest office without parental or institutional consent and argued that the requirement could undermine their autonomy.
Election-rule enforcement
Delhi University said the surety ensures that a solvent person can pay if a candidate violates the election undertaking.
Financial barrier
Student-access concerns
AISA argued that the ₹1 lakh indemnity condition could make elections less accessible to students without financial or political backing, including some women and financially independent students.
Election-rule enforcement
Delhi University defended the bond as a safeguard against campaign-related damage to college walls and other university or public property.
- Surety amount
- Up to ₹1 lakh
- Who may provide surety
- Anyone with the financial means to pay, including a guardian
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Petitioners
- AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar
- Election date
- September 18
- Expected results
- September 19
- University’s stated purpose
- To help prevent or cover damage to college, university, or public property
