The Delhi High Court has stopped the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections due to the "defacement" of public property by candidates. The court has directed the university to reimburse the costs incurred in removing the defacement and called for a stricter implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee's guidelines on election spending for student organizations. The decision has sparked a reaction from the Sangh-backed ABVP, who view it as an attack on student democracy.
Delhi University Students' Union Elections: High Court Halts Vote Counting Amid Defacement Allegations
The Delhi High Court has intervened in the ongoing Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, halting the counting of votes due to concerns over the rampant "defacement" of public property by candidates. The court has ordered the university to bear the costs of removing the defacement and has called for stricter enforcement of guidelines on election spending by student organizations.
Background
The DUSU elections have long been mired in controversy, with allegations of rampant electioneering and violations of campaign finance rules. In the latest development, some candidates were accused of defacing public walls and billboards with posters and banners, prompting a petition to the High Court.
High Court Ruling
Taking cognizance of the petition, the Delhi High Court ruled that the "unregulated and unchecked" election campaign had led to "defacement of public property on a large scale." The court directed the university to take immediate steps to clean up the defaced areas and directed the candidates responsible for the damage to bear the costs.
ABVP Reaction
The ruling has sparked a strong reaction from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ABVP has denounced the court's decision as "an attack on student democracy" and has alleged that it is aimed at "suppressing the voices" of students.
FAQs
1. Why did the High Court halt the vote counting in the DUSU elections?
The court halted the vote counting due to the alleged "defacement" of public property by candidates.
2. What guidelines did the court direct the university to implement more strictly?
The court directed the university to strictly implement the Lyngdoh Committee's guidelines on election spending for student organizations.
3. Who is responsible for bearing the costs of removing the defacement?
The court has directed the candidates who defaced public property to bear the costs.
4. What is the ABVP's reaction to the ruling?
The ABVP has denounced the court's ruling as "an attack on student democracy."
5. What are the long-term implications of the court's ruling?
The court's ruling may lead to stricter enforcement of campaign finance rules in student elections and could discourage candidates from engaging in unethical campaigning practices.
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