Today, On 21st October, The Delhi High Court stayed the counting of votes for the DUSU 2024 elections, originally scheduled for September 28, following complaints of property defacement. The elections took place on September 27, but the court ordered a pause on the results until all defacement materials are removed and public property is restored. Candidates have been asked to provide an explanation for the damage caused during the campaign.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court, On Monday, issued notices to multiple candidates who participated in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections held in September 2024.
This action comes in response to allegations of defacing public property.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela formally included these candidates in the legal proceedings, instructing them to appear in court on October 28 to justify their actions regarding the alleged defacement.
During the proceedings, the court emphasized the need for accountability by requesting the counsel for Delhi University to relay a message to the vice-chancellor. The court highlighted that the current situation is concerning and has arisen from administrative failures, urging the vice-chancellor to implement corrective measures promptly.
The court previously ordered a stay to the counting of votes from the DUSU elections until all materials associated with the defacement including posters, hoardings, and graffiti were removed, and public property restored to its original state.
This warning reiterated, highlighting the court’s commitment to maintaining public property standards.
The court’s actions were a direct response to a petition that sought accountability from the candidates and student organizations allegedly involved in damaging and defacing public walls.
Although polling occurred on September 27, the counting of votes, originally scheduled for September 28, suspended by the court in light of these issues.
The DUSU 2024 elections, while an important event in the democratic process for students, have brought attention to the recurring issue of property defacement during campaigns. The Delhi High Court’s decision to halt the vote counting and demand explanations from candidates is a reminder that accountability and responsibility should be at the forefront of any political activity. As the court pushes for the restoration of public property, this incident may pave the way for more sustainable and respectful election practices in the future.