DUSU polls: Delhi HC bans victory processions, issues notices to 140 contesting candidates

The Delhi High Court on Friday (September 18) barred candidates, supporters and student organisations from taking out victory processions after the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election results are declared. The court also issued notices to all 140 candidates contesting the elections over alleged violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and previous court orders.

The court directed that no victory procession be taken out on roads in Delhi, inside university campuses or in hostels after the results are announced on Saturday (September 19). It also warned that any violation could attract criminal and administrative action and amount to contempt of court. The Delhi Police has been directed to ensure that no such procession takes place.

DUSU polls: Delhi HC pulls up varsity over violence, Lyngdoh violations; warns to stay counting

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia was hearing concerns over violence and violations during the DUSU election campaign.

Court questions police action

The order came after the court examined the status report submitted by Delhi Police on action taken against those accused of violating election rules.

The bench questioned the police over vehicle cavalcades used during campaigning, including vehicles without number plates and candidates or supporters standing on car roofs and bonnets.

“These cavalcades create a sense of fear, terror and hegemony. What deterrent action did you take? The candidates are standing on the roof of the car and at the front bonnet. What else is hooliganism?” the court asked.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma told the court that 998 challans had been issued during the election campaign, 30 cars had been impounded, one student had been rusticated, six FIRs had been registered and four people arrested. He also informed the court that 5,737 challans had been issued for defective vehicles and vehicles being driven without licences.

Delhi University teacher attacked during DUSU campaigning; clashes reported across campus

The court also questioned the alleged assault of a teacher at Motilal Nehru College (Evening). When the bench asked whether the person arrested in connection with the incident was a student, the ASG replied in the affirmative.

The court then questioned the repeated claim that outsiders were responsible for violations during the election campaign.

Student organisations pulled up

The bench also questioned representatives of student organisations appearing before it.

“You participate in meetings ensure elections takes place as per Lyngdoh committee report and then you do this? We will impose penalty collectively on all the student organisations,” the court said.

The court further observed, “We will impose collective damages for all these violations. You people have not mended your ways. See the order passed in the last elections. After the candidate won, they slapped a teacher? We are not treating the organisations differently.”

The court has asked the student organisations and candidates to respond to the notices. It also directed authorities to ensure that criminal proceedings already initiated by the police are taken to their logical conclusion.

Delhi University sets stage for DUSU elections; voting on Sept 18

Polling underway, counting on September 19

Friday’s hearing took place as voting for the 2026-27 DUSU elections is underway across Delhi University.

More than 1.51 lakh students are eligible to vote for the four central posts: president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary.

Earlier, on Thursday, the court had said it could pass a harsher order, including staying the counting or declaration of results, if it was not satisfied with the action taken by the authorities.