दिल्ली उच्च न्यायालय ने दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय छात्र संघ (DUSU) चुनावों के बाद विजय जुलूसों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगा दिया है तथा चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान हुई हिंसा और तोड़फोड़ के लिए उम्मीदवारों एवं छात्र संगठनों पर अदालत की अवमानना (contempt of court) और वित्तीय जुर्माना लगाने की चेतावनी दी है।
NEW DELHI — In a major crackdown on campaign violence and public nuisance, the Delhi High Court on Friday imposed a complete ban on victory processions following the declaration of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) election results. The Court ruled that candidates, their supporters, and student organizations will be held directly accountable for damages caused by poll-related hooliganism.
Complete Ban on Processions
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ordered that no celebratory parades or rallies be permitted anywhere in the national capital.
- Scope of the Ban: The restriction applies strictly to candidates, student bodies, supporters, and outside individuals across all public roads, university campuses, and hostel premises.
- Contempt Warning: The Court clarified that any violation of this order will attract administrative penalties, criminal proceedings, and direct charges for contempt of court.
• Police Mandate: Directing the Delhi Police to maintain strict enforcement without leniency, the Bench emphasized that law enforcement must not hesitate to act simply because the offenders are university students.
Collective Damages and Show-Cause Notices
Taking strong note of recurring anti-defacement violations and breaches of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations during the campaign, the High Court signaled its intention to levy exemplary financial penalties.
- Notices to Candidates & Student Bodies: The Bench issued show-cause notices to all 140 contesting candidates and major student organizations—including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI)—asking why collective damages should not be recovered from them.
- Evidence Submission: The petitioner was directed to compile all evidence of defacement, property damage, and campaign violations within two weeks, after which the respondents must file their replies explaining why financial costs should not be saddled upon them.
Background of the Proceedings
The directions came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who highlighted widespread misconduct during the 2026–27 campaign trail.
- Allegations of Violence: The petition cited reports of clashes, campus vandalism, unauthorized entries, and safety concerns, including reports of gunshots and physical violence.
- Traffic Disruption: Candidates were accused of using unnumbered vehicles, heavy machinery, luxury cars, and oversized mascots to intimidate voters and block traffic around the Delhi University North and South campuses.
- Status Report: Presenting a status report before the Bench, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, confirmed that multiple FIRs had been registered, illegal vehicles impounded, and several individuals arrested. The Court ordered the police to take all initiated criminal matters to their logical conclusion.
Description: The Delhi High Court has banned all victory processions following the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia prohibited rallies across public roads, campuses, and hostels, warning that non-compliance will trigger criminal prosecution, administrative penalties, and contempt of court charges.
Addressing serious campaign violations—including defacement, traffic blockades, and violence—the court declared it will impose exemplary financial damages on candidates and major student bodies. Show-cause notices were issued to all 140 contesting candidates and leading student organizations, demanding explanations for why they should not pay for the damages. Hearing a petition filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, the court instructed Delhi Police to strictly enforce the ban without leniency and complete all pending FIR proceedings against offenders.