Delhi High Court Slams DUSU Polls’ ‘Money Power’

In a scathing indictment of the state of student politics, the Delhi High Court has expressed profound displeasure over the rampant use of luxury vehicles and a brazen display of “money and muscle power” during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The court, which has been actively monitoring the polls, remarked that it was “most disappointed with students” and that neither the candidates nor the organizers had learned from previous judicial warnings.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela took strong exception to reports and photographic evidence showing campaign convoys featuring high-end luxury cars like Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, as well as heavy machinery like JCBs. The judges questioned where students were procuring such expensive vehicles and lamented the degradation of the electoral process.

“Money and muscle power are the last things that should be flowing in the students’ union elections. This just cannot creep into student politics,” the bench observed. The court’s remarks came during a hearing of a plea by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who has consistently raised concerns about the violation of election guidelines, particularly with regards to defacement of public property and reckless campaigning.

The court noted a disheartening lack of accountability among candidates, who, when issued show-cause notices by the university, denied any wrongdoing. “Not even a single admission by these candidates. It seems as if the petitioner has photoshopped the photographs and placed before us,” the court remarked, highlighting the denial of evident violations.

This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has intervened in DUSU elections. In a similar case last year, the court had taken a firm stance, even withholding the declaration of poll results until all defaced public property was cleaned up and restored. The court expressed disappointment that despite that strong judicial precedent, the same violations were being repeated.

The court has not only issued a stern caution to students and their supporters, but also warned that any further violations would be treated as contempt of court. It also asked the Delhi Police, university authorities, and the student organizations to submit detailed status reports on the measures they have taken to curb the violations. The police counsel informed the court that hundreds of challans had been issued for various traffic violations and for illegal advertisements, and that several vehicles had been impounded.

The court’s intervention underscores a growing concern about the influence of wealth and political backing in what should be a democratic exercise among students. The DUSU elections, often seen as a launchpad for mainstream politics, have increasingly come under scrutiny for their high-expenditure and disregard for rules. The High Court’s latest rebuke serves as a strong reminder that student elections, too, must adhere to the principles of fair play and responsibility, and not become a spectacle of excess and lawlessness.