HC seeks explanation from DU poll candidates over defacement

The Delhi High Court on Monday summoned several candidates who participated in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections held in September, asking them to appear before the court on October 28 regarding allegations of public property defacement.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the notice during a hearing on a plea seeking action against candidates and student organisations for allegedly damaging public walls with posters, hoardings and graffiti. The court had previously halted the counting of votes scheduled for September 28, insisting that all defacement material be removed before any results could be declared.

The court expressed its disapproval of the situation, stating, “It is not a pleasant situation that has arisen due to administrative failure,” and directed the counsel for the Delhi University to communicate this message to the Vice-Chancellor, urging prompt remedial measures.

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, petitioner and advocate Prashant Manchanda said, “The court is strictly of the view that the election result should not be declared until the entire property of Delhi is cleaned.” He referenced a video that showed candidates from various parties engaging in “hooliganism” and disregarding law and order during the campaign. “This freedom of democracy has been turned into a show of muscle power,” he added.

Regarding the DUSU election results, Manchanda emphasised that the court has made it clear there would be no vacation of the stay on counting until all defaced properties are restored. “These were the clear directions of the Delhi High Court,” he noted. Additionally, the court has instructed the Delhi Police to provide a comprehensive status report on the matter.

DU to seek exemption from paying Rs 1 cr to MC

New Delhi: The Delhi University will appeal to the High Court to exempt Rs 1 crore compensation imposed upon them to pay to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for cleaning the defacement of public property during their student union elections. The MC submitted before the court that it incurred an expense of Rs 1 crore for cleaning the defacement during the elections across its 12 zones. The court had earlier asked DU to compensate for the cost incurred by civic agencies, including the MCD and the DMRC, for undertaking the cleaning. It also said that DU may recover this amount from the contesting candidates if it wants. DU V-C Yogesh Singh said the varsity

would appeal to exempt the compensation amount.