Delhi High Court criticised luxury car rallies in DUSU polls, calling it “tragic” and “painful.” Notices issued to newly elected student leaders for violating election rules.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly criticised the way campaigning was carried out during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The court expressed anger over the use of luxury cars like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and even JCB machines in student election campaigns.
The court observed that despite earlier warnings and judicial orders, students and organisers had not learned any lesson.
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The bench said,
“It is very tragic, a sad commentary on the state of affairs, a sad commentary on our democratic functioning of the society, a sad commentary on the democratic functioning of the institutions here.”
The court further remarked,
“What can be worse than such kind of campaigns in students union elections. The use of JCBs, big and luxury cars, four wheelers, this is unknown. From where do they get such big cars — Bentley, Rolls Royce and Ferraris? How are the students getting this? We haven’t even heard of these cars.”
A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela made these observations after photographs and news reports were placed before it showing violations of rules and misuse of resources during the campaign.
The high court issued notices to newly elected DUSU office bearers — President Aryan Mann (ABVP), Vice President Rahul Jhansla (NSUI), Secretary Kunal Chaudhary (ABVP), and Joint Secretary Deepika Jha (ABVP).
While expressing concern, the court said student body elections had become a matter of concern every year. The judges stated,
“It appears that students have not learnt a lesson from last year’s order…. Sabse zyada niraash to hum students se hai (We are most disappointed with students).”
At the same time, the bench appreciated the role of Delhi Police in cooperating with the university during the election process.
The court recalled that in 2024, the results of the DUSU elections had been withheld until the complete removal of posters, banners, hoardings, and graffiti that had defaced public property.
It noted that this year too, violations continued even after its September 17 order, which had clearly barred victory processions across Delhi after the declaration of results.
During the hearing, advocate Prashant Manchanda, the petitioner, presented photographs and reports showing these violations.
He argued that the candidates and their supporters were openly flouting the court’s order as well as the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, which regulate student union elections.
The bench directed that seven student candidates who had already been served showcause notices by the university should now be made parties to the case. It also issued notices to these students asking them to reply. The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6.
Additionally, the court impleaded two news channels in the case and directed them to provide the video footage of the election coverage done by their reporters. The court further instructed the channels to preserve all video recordings of the campaign and election-related activities.
The judges came down heavily on the replies submitted by candidates to the showcause notices, where they denied any responsibility for defacement of public property.
The bench remarked,
“Not even a single admission by these candidates. It seems as if the petitioner has photoshopped the photographs and placed before us.”
Earlier, the court had already stressed that strong steps were required to prevent the misuse of money and muscle power in student elections.
Advocate Manchanda told the bench that the violations were clear and widespread, and that rules framed for smooth conduct of DUSU elections had been openly ignored.
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After reviewing the photos and videos, the court found prima facie (at first sight) evidence of several violations during the student campaigns. The elections were conducted on September 18, while counting of votes and declaration of results happened on Friday.
The petitioner’s plea has sought strict action against the candidates and student organisations that were allegedly involved in defacing, damaging, and spoiling public property during the DUSU polls.
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