The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed displeasure over the violence during Delhi University Students’ Union elections. The court said, “Democracy cannot be turned into a society of criminals.”
The court has sought a report from the DU administration, Delhi Police and the government by tomorrow.
The court also warned that if it is not satisfied with the steps taken, it will stay the counting of votes and declaration of results.
A clash broke out between two groups of students at North Campus on Wednesday night ahead of the DUSU elections. ABVP and NSUI accused people linked to each other of attacking their supporters at different locations.
Campaigning for the DUSU elections ended on September 16. Voting will be held on September 18 and counting on September 19.
ABVP claims member was attacked, workers assaulted
ABVP alleged that one of its members was attacked outside Law Centre-1 (LC-1) in what it described as an attempt on his life. The organisation claimed that people linked to the Congress, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and NSUI were involved in the attack.
ABVP also alleged that NSUI workers attacked the homes of its members at Hari Mandir in Delhi University. According to the organisation, ABVP members were holding a peaceful meeting at the time, with female student members also present. ABVP claimed that one of the attackers was caught and handed over to the police.
According to ABVP, non-student political workers linked to the Congress campaigned for the NSUI panel. The organisation questioned the presence of outside political workers and campaigning inside classrooms. It also alleged that money was being used to influence students and demanded a fair investigation.
NSUI claims tribal student was attacked
Meanwhile, NSUI alleged that a tribal student member was attacked outside Motilal Nehru College by people linked to ABVP.
The organisation demanded an investigation and action in the case. NSUI national media in-charge Ravi Hanuman Pandey accused ABVP of practising politics of intimidation and isolation.
Teacher assaulted at Motilal Nehru College
A DUSU campaigner was accused of assaulting a teacher at Motilal Nehru College (Evening). Following the incident, the college faculty held a protest.
According to a teacher, a faculty member suffered serious injuries and was taken for treatment. The teachers demanded action and said they would file an FIR and boycott election-related duties.
The teachers said students should understand their limits and that faculty members should not be assaulted under any circumstances. However, the teacher could not clarify which student organisation the alleged campaigner was associated with.
Delhi HC agrees to urgent hearing on DUSU poll rule violations
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on September 17 agreed to hear urgently a petition alleging violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement guidelines and court directions during the DUSU election campaign.
The petition filed by lawyer Prashant Manchanda alleges that candidates campaigned with more people than the permitted limit, while outside people were present. It also alleges the use of vehicle convoys, rallies, roadshows, traffic disruption and printed posters and pamphlets.
The petition also mentions alleged violations related to vandalism in public places and the use of money and muscle power.
It seeks action against candidates violating the rules, including disqualification if required, as well as action against officials for alleged negligence. The petitioner said immediate preventive steps were necessary in view of repeated violations.
Delhi University has 2 campuses, 91 colleges; elections held in 52
Delhi University has two campuses, South and North Campus, located around 15 km apart. Together, the two campuses have 91 colleges, but not all DU colleges can vote in DUSU elections.
Only 52 colleges and faculties directly participate in DUSU voting. Some prominent colleges, including St Stephen’s, Lady Shri Ram and Jesus and Mary, are also not part of DUSU.
