The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed strong concern over alleged violence and the presence of outsiders at Delhi University Campus ahead of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections on September 18. The Court questioned the university and law enforcement agencies over their handling of the situation.
The court was hearing a plea concerning the implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines for student elections.
During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Prashant Manchanda alleged that “hooligans”, along with some candidates, had “hijacked” parts of the DU campus and claimed that some individuals were carrying guns, screwdrivers and lathis. He further alleged that professors and law students were beaten up, and some students were allegedly assaulted while trying to capture photographs of the incidents.
“Some kind of harsh orders are passed only then will they appear,” the court observed, questioning why the student organisation leaders and police personnel were not controlling the situation. “If you are unable to control elections then we will abandon the elections,” the court added.
Meanwhile, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) appearing for the authorities termed the alleged incidents “reprehensible” and said those responsible should be brought to book.
The ASG also pointed out that the Model Code of Conduct for the elections had been in force since August 13 and that campaigning had ended at 5 pm on Wednesday. He said the campus was currently “totally silent”.
The bench questioned why authorities were attributing the incidents to outside elements instead of taking responsibility for maintaining law and order. The Court also raised concerns over unidentified vehicles entering the campus and questioned whether authorities had taken adequate steps to identify outsiders. “What have you done? Do you need a petition to take action?” the court asked.
The court further added that democratic elections could not become a platform for criminal activity. “Tomorrow is election, we will postpone it. We will examine the issue and allow only those candidates to participate in the elections who are not indulging in this… We are more than conscious that we are a democratic society, but we are also conscious that this democracy can’t be converted into a criminal society,” the court observed.
ASG opposed any attempt to postpone the elections, arguing that there was a possibility of groups using incidents involving outsiders to disrupt the democratic process. He further alleged that this was a “clever stratagem” to create situations which lead to postponement of elections.
The court directed Delhi University and the Delhi Police to file status reports on the action taken in connection with the alleged violations and incidents surrounding the DUSU elections. The bench also said that student unions are considered “nurseries of democracy” and that democratic processes in universities must be strengthened, but stressed that the alleged misconduct was “unacceptable at any cost”.
In a shocking order, the court observed that the bench will consider the status reports before passing further directions tomorrow (September 18) and orally observed that if it is not satisfied with the responses of Delhi University and the Delhi Police, it may stay the counting of votes.
Court also directed that a copy of the order shall be served to Delhi Police Commissioner, Home Secretary Delhi and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
