Delhi High Court Urged to Implement 50% Women's Reservation in Delhi University Elections

The Delhi High Court has directed Delhi University authorities to address a plea seeking 50% women's reservation in student union elections, promoting gender equality. The plea emphasizes enhancing women's political representation in student governance, reflecting recent legislative steps towards gender inclusivity.

The Delhi High Court has commanded the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and other key respondents to address a representation that advocates for 50% women's reservation in the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections. This directive highlights the push for gender equality in student governance.

The bench, comprised of Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, instructed the authorities to act on the plea within three weeks. A female student from Delhi University, Shabana Hussain, moved the petition through her Advocate Ashu Bhiduri, calling for reserved seats for women in DUSU and college student union elections to bolster gender parity.

The plea underscored the recent enactment of the 33% women's reservation in State Assembly and Parliament elections under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, arguing that it is timely for Delhi University to follow suit. Hussain has been advocating for this cause for two years, pointing out the lack of female participation in student elections due to societal discrimination.

Recently, a notification concerning DUSU elections announced the nomination process starting on September 17, 2024, and elections on September 27, 2024. Hussain has approached the High Court, stressing that despite 75 years of independence, women still face significant challenges and exploitation.

She emphasized that political representation for women is crucial for their true empowerment in this male-dominated society. Hussain also mentioned that student elections are often dominated by money and muscle power, further marginalizing women. Her plea seeks a mandate to ensure women's representation through reservation in the upcoming student elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)