The Delhi High Court questioned whether the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections were a celebration of democracy or a way to launder money, due to the extensive defacement and expenditure.
A panel led by Chief Justice-to-be Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela pointed out that it was about time for the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University to intervene. “Do you have any clue about the amount of money being used?” It is now necessary for the Vice-Chancellor to recognize the situation. The bench mentioned on Wednesday that if they need to cancel, they can cancel the elections.
The bench cautioned the university, stating, “Either postpone the elections until the situation is improved or disqualify the candidates and seek new nominations.”
The court’s criticism and worry were triggered by Advocate Prashant Manchanda, the petitioner, highlighting the widespread vandalism of public and metro properties, especially by candidates participating in the upcoming DUSU elections scheduled for September 26.
He informed the court about vandalism occurring in various public places such as bus stands, police stations, and university walls.
Advocate Manchanda emphasized the breach of a prior Delhi High Court ruling in Prashant Manchanda vs. UOI (W.P.(C) 7824 and 8251 of 2017), in which the court had established rules to tackle defacement problems.