The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over incidents of violence during the campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections and threatened to stay the counting of votes and declaration of results if it is not satisfied with the responses of the university, the Delhi Police, and the Union government. The court also highlighted repeated violations of judicial orders issued from time to time and the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed its concern over incidents of violence during the campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections and threatened to stay the counting of votes and declaration of results if it was not satisfied with the responses of the university, the Delhi Police, and the Union government. The court made this statement while hearing a matter concerning incidents of alleged violence and vandalism across multiple Delhi University campuses on Wednesday, the final day of campaigning.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the three authorities to submit status reports by Friday on the action taken against those responsible for the violence.
In addition, the court also said that the material placed on record painted a picture of an almost complete failure by the authorities, students, and other responsible sections of society to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. The court further stated that it cannot permit such incidents, as they include thrashing teachers in the name of being creative, brandishing guns, or the university simply stating it cannot control anything.
The legal news outlet Live Law reported that the court also said the material on record showed repeated violations of both the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and judicial orders issued from time to time. The Supreme Court constituted the Lyngdoh Committee in 2005 to recommend measures to curb violence and unrest linked to student elections, including an age limit for candidates. Its recommendations also state that student elections in colleges and universities should remain free from the influence of political parties.
On Wednesday, a teacher was allegedly assaulted by a student campaigning for the elections at Motilal Nehru College (Evening), while a clash broke out outside Law Centre-I following an argument over the removal of campaign banners. Separate clashes were reported at Sri Aurobindo College, and other colleges also witnessed altercations. The elections are scheduled for Friday, while the counting of votes will take place on Saturday.
Source:
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