DUSU polls: Delhi HC directs DU, Police to act against hooligans by tomorrow or vote counting will be stayed

The Delhi High Court on Thursday pulled up the Central government, Delhi University (DU), and the Delhi Police for their failure to control the violence and hooliganism during the campaigning for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia warned that it will stop the counting of the votes if the authorities fail to explain by tomorrow the steps taken by them against candidates and persons violating the law.

The polling is scheduled for tomorrow (September 18).

"No excuses will be accepted by the Court and we are making it very clear that, though we are not staying or postponing the election but, if we are not satisfied with your action, we can pass a harsher order staying the counting or declaration of results. We feel that unless such orders are passed, no one is going to listen. It’s very, very sad. Please tell us if you are unable to control the situation, we know how to get it done," the Court remarked.

It has listed the case for hearing on September 18 at 12 noon, while also ordering the lawyers for student organisations to be present in court.

The Bench remarked that democracy cannot be converted into a criminal society.

"We are more than conscious that we are a democratic society, but we are also conscious that this democracy can't be converted into a criminal society," the Bench remarked.

The High Court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking directions to ensure strict enforcement of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement guidelines and the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election code of conduct during the 2026-27 elections.

The application, filed in an ongoing writ petition concerning DUSU elections, alleged widespread violations including the use of large vehicle cavalcades, rallies, roadshows, printed campaign material, entry of outsiders and deployment of excessive supporters.

Manchanda also alleged incidents of violence, vandalism and clashes involving candidates, supporters and outsiders during the ongoing campaign. He referred to media reports of outsiders entering college campuses and incidents involving violence and gunshots.

The petitioner further alleged that candidates and their supporters used vehicles without number plates, tractors, luxury cars and oversized mascots during campaigning, resulting in traffic disruption in and around Delhi University campus.

Manchanda showed the Court pictures of the violence. He stated that the persons associated with the candidates brandished guns and threatened the students of the university. He said that the professors were beaten up and many people had to hide to escape violence.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma appeared for the Central government and stated that what happened on September 16 was completely reprehensible and that guilty should be brought to justice.

He said that the persons seen violating the law will be acted against.

However, he said that the campaigning ended yesterday and since then there has been complete peace in the University.

Sharma further said that due to the Court's directions, the elections this year have been 85-90% peaceful.

The Court questioned the government's argument, pointing to the pictures furnished by Manchanda.

"The photographs with this petition, most of them show vehicles being used by the candidates. It's not very difficult to identify them... These photographs have been posted on the official social media handles of the candidates. Is it difficult for you to identify them? There is no point in saying that the campus is porous. It is part of Delhi only," the Court remarked.

In its order, the Bench recorded that students' unions are said to be nurseries of democracy but permitting the students' union election to take the colour as shown in this case is unacceptable.

"We direct that instructions on this application shall be completed by the parties by tomorrow. The counsel who are representing the student organisations will also be present. The Delhi Police as well as Delhi University shall also file status report as to action taken by them once the incident of unruly conduct and violation of the Lyngdoh Committee, the order of the Court, and the code of conduct was found. Depending on the status report to be filed under our order, necessary directions shall be passed tomorrow," the Court ordered.