3 hrs ago
Delhi High Court May Halt DUSU Results Over Campaign Violence
The Delhi High Court is concerned about alleged violence and vandalism during university election campaigning.
It said this behavior cannot be accepted.
The court asked university and government authorities to explain what they have done about the incidents.
The election will happen on Friday for now.
However, the court may stop the counting of votes or delay the results.
It also said it could take even stronger steps if the situation does not improve.
Several large student groups are competing for four leadership positions.
Voting and counting will take place while traffic is restricted around Delhi University’s North Campus.
The Delhi High Court called alleged violence, vandalism and unruly conduct during DUSU campaigning “unacceptable at any cost.”
The court ordered Delhi University and Delhi Police, and according to one report the Delhi government, to submit action-taken reports by Friday, September 18.
The elections will proceed on September 18 for now, but the court may stop vote counting, postpone results or take stronger action if dissatisfied.
The contest includes the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, National Students’ Union of India, and the AISA-SFI Left alliance.
Clashes, alleged attacks on students and a professor, traffic restrictions, and Saturday counting preparations have heightened tensions on North Campus.
- Who
- The Delhi High Court, University of Delhi, Delhi Police, the Delhi government, and student organisations contesting the DUSU elections.
- What
- The court warned that alleged violence, vandalism, hooliganism and election-rule violations could lead to halted vote counting or postponed results.
- Where
- University of Delhi, particularly North Campus and the area around the Law Centre.
- When
- The elections are scheduled for September 18, reports are due by Friday, and counting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday.
- Why
- The warning followed allegations of clashes, attacks, property defacement, unruly conduct and other violations during campaigning.
Court and Petitioner's Concerns
Authorities' Response
Handling of violence
Court and Petitioner's Concerns
The court and lawyer Prashant Manchanda said the material before the bench showed serious violence, vandalism and an inadequate response by authorities.
Authorities' Response
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said the conduct was reprehensible, those responsible would face action, and an FIR had been registered.
Condition of this year's election
Court and Petitioner's Concerns
The court cited an “almost complete failure” to ensure smooth elections and warned that authorities could not rely on excuses or repeated assurances.
Authorities' Response
The Centre’s counsel said this year’s situation was 85–90% better than elections held the previous year.
Whether voting should continue
Court and Petitioner's Concerns
The court said it could stop counting, postpone results or potentially postpone the elections if effective action was not demonstrated.
Authorities' Response
The court ultimately allowed the scheduled elections to proceed while awaiting the authorities’ reports.
Key facts
- Court warning
- The bench said the alleged conduct was “unacceptable at any cost” and that “democracy cannot be converted into a criminal society.”
- Election status
- The court did not stay the elections scheduled for September 18.
- Possible orders
- The court may stop counting, postpone the results or take stronger action if authorities’ reports are unsatisfactory.
- Reports required
- Reports on action taken are due Friday; one report says they were sought from University of Delhi, Delhi Police and the Delhi government, while other reports specifically mention the university and police.
- Contested posts
- The election is for four central posts: president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary.
- Main groups
- The contest includes the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, National Students’ Union of India, and the All India Students’ Association–Students’ Federation of India alliance.
- Counting and traffic
- Counting is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday at the Multipurpose Hall of the University Sports Stadium, while restrictions affect Chhatra Marg, Probyn Road and University Road.
Quotes
Delhi High Court bench
Division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Teja Karia
“The court will not accept any excuse. We are not staying or postponing the elections, but if we are not satisfied with the report, we can pass a harsher order, including stopping the counting and postponing the result. If you are unable to control the situation, we know how to get it done.”
NDTV
“We cannot permit this. Enough is enough. You are thrashing teachers and brandishing guns. If you (authorities) cannot control this, we will cancel the elections. You cannot shirk away from your responsibility. Leave your job if you are unable to control.”
NDTV
Sources
'Unacceptable At Any Cost': Delhi HC Warns Student Unions Over Violence During DUSU Campaign
Delhi High Court Warns Of Postponing Delhi University Student Union Poll Results Over Violence
'Democracy Cannot Be Converted Into A Criminal Society': Delhi HC Warns Over DUSU Violence, May Halt Vote Counting
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