The Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance by prohibiting any victory processions following the announcement of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election results. The ruling was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, who emphasized that no processions should occur on roads or within college premises, including hostels, involving candidates, their supporters, or any affiliated individuals.
The Court underscored the responsibility of the Delhi Police to prevent such gatherings, warning that any breach would invite not only criminal and administrative repercussions but also be considered contempt of court. The bench noted previous violations of its directives and the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations during the election campaigns, prompting it to consider imposing exemplary costs on major student organizations.
In an assertive move, the Court issued notices to all 140 candidates contesting the DUSU elections, as well as prominent student organizations, demanding explanations as to why damages should not be levied against them. “Let notice to student organizations be issued. The list shall be provided by DU counsel. We request DU counsel to provide the list of 140 candidates who are contesting the elections of DUSU. Notices shall be issued to all these 140 candidates as well,” the Bench stated. The Court further insisted that the Delhi Police should not hesitate to take action against students who violate the law.
This ruling emerged during the hearing of a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who sought strict adherence to the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, anti-defacement laws, and the DUSU election code of conduct for the 2026-27 elections. Manchanda raised concerns about violence, vandalism, and clashes involving candidates, supporters, and unidentified individuals during the ongoing campaign. He also cited media reports of unauthorized individuals entering campuses and incidents involving violence and gunfire.
Additionally, the petitioner highlighted issues of traffic disruption caused by campaign vehicles without license plates, including tractors, luxury cars, and oversized mascots. The Court previously criticized the government, police, and Delhi University for their inability to mitigate violence and misconduct, even threatening to halt vote counting if authorities failed to demonstrate appropriate actions against lawbreakers.
On Friday, Delhi Police and Delhi University presented their status reports to the High Court, detailing actions taken against those involved in disruptive activities. The police reported the filing of several FIRs, impounding of vehicles, and arrests. The Bench instructed the police to ensure that “criminal action initiated by the police shall, in all right earnest, be taken to its logical end.”
The Court expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of DU’s administrative measures as deterrents, indicating a readiness to levy collective electoral damages on both students and their organizations. “Counsel for the petitioner is directed to compile relevant records and documents which would establish violation. Said compilation should be filed in two weeks after supplying a copy to all the respondents as also the student organizations and individual candidates. On receipt of such compilations, the student organizations and candidates shall file replies showing cause as to why they should not be saddled with exemplary damages,” the Court commanded.
Appearing in person, advocate Prashant Manchanda presented the case before the Court. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma represented the Delhi Police, while advocate Mohinder S. Rupal appeared for Delhi University. Senior Advocate Apoorv Kurup represented the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and advocate Rishav Ranjan represented the National Students Union of India (NSUI).
