DUSU Election: Delhi HC directs DU to begin vote counting by November 26
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday instructed Delhi University to begin the counting of votes for the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections by November 26, provided that all public and private properties defaced during the election campaign are cleaned and repainted within a week.
The bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also directed the Delhi University and students to file a report confirming the restoration of the properties within 10 days.
The Court was hearing a petition filed by Prashant Manchanda, who raised concerns over the defacement of public and private properties during the DUSU elections.
On the last date of the hearing, the Delhi High Court expressed displeasure with several candidates from the recent DUSU elections, emphasizing the need for them to act as role models. The court summoned the students after incidents of road barricading and reckless driving during the campaign. Court directed them to help restore the sanctity of Delhi University.
In a directive, the court ordered each candidate to take responsibility for cleaning their respective colleges. Counsel for the candidates asserted that efforts were already underway to improve campus conditions, while university representatives confirmed ongoing cleanup initiatives.
The Delhi High Court previously noted that the candidates expressed remorse for their actions and committed to removing posters, hoardings, banners, and graffiti from Delhi University and other areas in the city.
The court directed them to file short affidavits, including photos as proof of their cleanup efforts, and to undertake beautification initiatives on both the North and South campuses. They must also provide an assurance that they will refrain from such activities in the future.
The court had previously suspended the counting process due to concerns over these violations. On September 26, the Delhi High Court had allowed Delhi University to proceed with its elections scheduled for September 27. However, the court suspended the counting of votes until it is assured that defacement is removed and public property is restored.
