DUSU Election 2024:
The Delhi High Court has expressed displeasure over the reckless expenditure and rule violations by candidates in the Delhi University Students' Union Elections (DUSU Election 2024). Last Wednesday, during the DUSU elections, the Delhi High Court commented on the posters put up on walls, public places, private properties, and roads, stating that this is a festival of democracy, not money laundering.
Worse Than General Elections: High Court
The bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela of the Delhi High Court remarked that youth should not be allowed to become corrupt through such a system. It was noted that the situation is even worse than the country's general elections. Is there any record of how much money is being spent in the elections? It seems like crores of rupees are being spent. The High Court said that posters are being put up on walls and roads, and such wastage of money should not be allowed. Strict action should be taken.
Could DUSU Elections Be Postponed?
In light of the excessive spending and rule violations by candidates during the DUSU elections, the Delhi High Court has suggested postponing the elections. The court said that until all posters are removed and the entire university is cleaned, the elections should be postponed. The court asked if photos of the posters on public property had been taken. If candidates put up posters, they should bear the cost of their removal.
16,000 Boards, 2,000 Hoardings, Over 2 Lakh Posters Removed: DU
The lawyer representing Delhi University informed the Delhi High Court that so far, during the DUSU elections, 16,000 boards, 2,000 hoardings, and over 2 lakh posters have been removed. DU stated that according to the Lyngdoh Committee, each candidate is only permitted to spend Rs 5,000 in the DUSU elections. The posters should be handmade.
Recover Poster Removal Costs from Candidates
The Delhi High Court advised Delhi University to recover the costs of removing posters from those whose names are on the posters. Do not feel helpless. No one is contesting the elections alone; organizations are involved.
Could Candidacies Be Canceled?
Delhi University mentioned that circulars have been issued to all 21 candidates, instructing them to adhere to the Lyngdoh Committee's rules. Instructions have also been given to remove posters and banners. The Delhi Election Committee is closely monitoring the situation. If candidates do not comply with the Lyngdoh Committee's rules during the election, their candidacies will be canceled. Show-cause notices have also been issued regarding the inconvenience caused to people. DU further said that a meeting was called with the candidates contesting the elections, but only two candidates attended, while four others sent written responses.
Police and Senior Officials Should Meet, Understand Their Powers: Court
Delhi University stated that posters should be removed by 5 PM on September 25. If completely adhered to by this deadline, the candidacies will be canceled. Posters have already begun to be removed from Tuesday. The High Court suggested that the Vice-Chancellor should hold a meeting on this matter, including the Delhi Police and senior officials. Officials are often unaware of their powers. How can you allow elections to proceed in this manner? Use your powers to teach the new generation the true meaning of elections and democracy.
It is worth noting that the DUSU Election 2024 voting will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024, and the counting will occur on September 28. The new DU Students' Union panel will be announced on Saturday, including the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary positions.
