Delhi High Court Clears DUSU Vote Count with Key Conditions

The Delhi High Court has given the green light for counting votes in the Delhi University Students' Union elections, contingent upon addressing public property defacement issues by candidates. The court's decision follows a petition urging accountability for civic responsibility in election activities.

In a significant move, the Delhi High Court announced on Wednesday that the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections can proceed, provided candidates have addressed any defacement of public property. The ruling comes amidst ongoing concerns about electoral propriety and civic responsibility.

A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, stressed that democratic elections should not become vehicles for financial misconduct, but rather, reflect the principles of democracy. The court's remarks cited pressing civic challenges, such as the escalating cases of dengue and malaria, linked to relentless littering across the city.

The court's decision followed an application from two candidates involved in college elections at Delhi University who appealed for the declaration of election results. The candidates have pledged to engage students in cleaning and repainting efforts at their college premises, collaborating with university authorities. This form of student mobilization is part of an ongoing petition to hold DUSU candidates accountable for public property defacement.

Previously, the Delhi High Court had suspended the vote counting process over similar violations, stating on September 26 that elections could proceed on their scheduled date but results would be withheld until proof of compliance in rectifying public defacement was provided.

(With inputs from agencies.)