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The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Delhi University (DU) and candidates who contested the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections over allegations that victory processions were taken out despite the court’s directions prohibiting such celebrations.
The DUSU election results were declared on September 19, a day after polling was held. Advocate Prashant Manchanda filed an application alleging that winning candidates took out victory processions in violation of the court’s earlier order.
Delhi HC Seeks Response From DU, Candidates
A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed Delhi University and the concerned candidates to respond to the allegations.
On September 18, while hearing a petition alleging violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations during the DUSU elections, the court had directed that no candidate, student, supporter or any other person should take out a victory procession after the results were declared.
The court had also sought explanations from student organisations and candidates on why electoral damages should not be imposed for violations of the recommendations.
Court Takes Note Of Alleged Violation
During Wednesday’s hearing, the bench noted that show-cause notices had already been issued to all candidates, including the winners.
The court directed Manchanda to compile all relevant material in a dossier for its consideration.
“This is not done. This is just not done,” the bench observed, indicating that it would take the alleged violation seriously.
The court, however, noted some improvement in this year’s DUSU elections, observing that there was no defacement of public property. At the same time, it said that “much needs to be done”.
Court Clarifies Stand On Dhols
Counsel appearing for one of the candidates submitted that certain sentiments can be difficult to control after winning an election. The counsel also pointed out that even dhols, or traditional Indian drums, had not been used this year.
The Chief Justice clarified that the use of dhols itself was not the court’s concern.
“Dhols were still acceptable and would have been fine,” he said, adding that the concern was the alleged display of “muscle and money power”.
The matter will now proceed after Delhi University and the concerned candidates submit their responses.
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