Petition Filed Against Alleged Political Influence in DUSU Elections
A recent petition has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, challenging the ongoing Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The petitioner claims that the elections are in violation of the Lyngdoh Committee’s rules, which are designed to prevent political parties from interfering in student elections [Ms Vijeta v Union of India & Ors.].
The case, presented before a Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday. The petitioner, a Delhi University student named Vijeta, argues that the university has failed to enforce the Supreme Court’s directives aimed at keeping student elections free from political party influences.
Allegations of Political Endorsements
The petition specifically highlights alleged violations of Clause 6.3 of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. This clause calls for the disassociation of student elections from political parties. According to the plea, student wings of major political parties such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP) of the Aam Aadmi Party, and a Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Association (AISA) alliance have announced panels or candidates for the DUSU elections.
The petition maintains that such endorsements contravene both the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and the DUSU Constitution. It further challenges a notice issued on September 11 by the Chief Election Officer, which shortlisted candidates for DUSU’s top positions. The plea contends that these candidates are affiliated with political party student wings, and their nominations should consequently be invalidated.
Concerns Over Election Conduct
The petition also raises concerns over the conduct of the elections, citing political interference resulting in wall defacement, unauthorized banners, posters, hoardings, and rallies. “It is an open secret that political leaders are actively participating in election campaigns on Delhi University campuses. Posters and banners supporting political parties are widely displayed, leading to significant defacement of university and college property,” the plea states. Such actions are strictly prohibited under the Lyngdoh Committee Report, which has been endorsed by the Supreme Court.
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The plea references the Supreme Court’s order from September 22, 2006, in the case of University of Kerala v. Council, Principals’ Colleges, Kerala & Ors., which mandates the implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. These include measures to limit political influence, regulate political funding and election spending, and guidelines for campaign conduct and university property preservation.
Represented by advocates Sneh Vardhan and Pratibha Sinha, the petitioner is seeking enforcement of these directives to ensure that the DUSU elections adhere to the Lyngdoh Committee’s guidelines. The case was mentioned in court by Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha.
