Court Orders Strict Action Against Defacement in Delhi University Elections

The Delhi High Court called for strict measures against defacement of public property during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The vice chancellor may annul or defer the elections until defacement is removed. The court was hearing a plea against candidates involved in defacing public walls and damaging classrooms.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday urged the vice chancellor of Delhi University to take stringent action against defacement of public property during the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. This includes the possibility of annulling the polls or deferring them until the defacement is cleared.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela highlighted the excessive spending by candidates and urged that strict measures be implemented. They stressed that education should not be compromised by election-related activities and recommended measures such as deferring the elections, disqualifying candidates, or withholding election results until the defaced property is restored.

The court directed the university authorities, along with Delhi Police, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Delhi Metro, to cooperate in removing the defacement. Despite show-cause notices being issued to candidates, the cleanup effort remains ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)