DUSU Polls 2024: HC halts vote counting in view of defacement, vandalism of public property

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court put a halt on the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections 2024 in view of incidents of vandalism and defacement of public property by candidates, as per a Live Law report. A division bench, led by Chief Justice-designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, ordered that counting will not resume until the court is assured that all posters, spray paint, and graffiti have been removed and public properties have been restored.

“This court directs that though the election process may proceed ahead, no counting of votes shall take place either of the Delhi University elections or of the colleges till this court is satisfied that the posters, hoardings, graffitis, spray paints are removed and the public properties are restored,” the court was quoted as saying.

The two-judge bench was listening to fresh petitions filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda and a group of DU students alleging violation of recommendations of Lyngdoh committee.

During the court hearing, the counsel for Delhi University reportedly informed the court that an emergency meeting was held yesterday, attended by 16 out of the 21 candidates. The candidates were instructed to submit affidavits committing to the removal of posters and graffiti from public walls and properties. The counsel acknowledged that there have been significant violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations during the election process.

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Deferment of counting of DUSU votes

The counsel argued that with elections scheduled for tomorrow, it would be inappropriate to cancel or postpone the polls. Instead, he proposed that the counting of votes be delayed until the candidates have removed all hoardings and posters and compensated for the damages caused to civic properties.

Recently, a representative for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported that from September 13 to September 25, the civic body had removed 16,000 boards, 200,000 posters and pamphlets, and 28,500 banners, amounting to four truckloads of material.

In response, the court ordered that, until further notice, Delhi University must ensure that the EVMs and ballot boxes are securely stored. Earlier, the high court asked the DU vice-chancellor to take strict action and suggested annulment of the students' union elections. The bench recommended that the central university should postpone the elections or disqualify the candidates and start nomination afresh or should allow voting but not declare the results till all the defacement is removed.