Delhi HC Urges Speedy Decision on Women's Reservation in DUSU Elections

The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi University vice-chancellor to swiftly address a representation calling for women's reservation in the upcoming Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. The petitioner argues that the elections are dominated by money and muscle, resulting in low female participation.

The Delhi High Court has directed the vice-chancellor of Delhi University to urgently address a representation seeking women's reservation in the forthcoming Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) election.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized that the plea, submitted by the petitioner in October 2023, be resolved by the vice-chancellor in accordance with existing laws, ideally within three weeks.

The court issued the directive while dismissing a petition that called for a 50 percent women's reservation in DUSU elections. Petitioner Shabana Hussain, represented by advocate Ashu Bidhuri, contended that the union polls are swayed by money and muscle, thus limiting women's involvement.

Hussain approached the high court to mandate women's representation through reservations in the student union elections slated for September 27, with the nomination process beginning on September 17. She also urged the university to adhere to the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations on student union elections.

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development had formed a committee under former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh to provide guidelines on student bodies' elections, which submitted its report on May 26, 2006.

(With inputs from agencies.)