Delhi HC Orders Action Against Property Defacement Ahead of DUSU Elections

Delhi HC criticizes oversight in DUSU elections, orders action against defacement of public property

The Delhi High Court has taken strong action regarding the upcoming Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections, set for September 27, 2024, and criticized the University of Delhi for its inadequate oversight of the election process. The court highlighted concerns over the widespread defacement of public property, including posters, banners, and graffiti, that typically occurs during election campaigns.

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During a hearing, the bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, directed the Delhi University counsellor to issue notices to candidates involved in defacing public property, including areas managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation  and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Candidates found responsible for such defacement face disqualification and must remove any unauthorized materials at their own expense within 24 hours.

Additionally, the court has mandated the presence of the Chief Election Officer of Delhi University at the next hearing. The MCD and DMRC are also required to provide the names of candidates responsible for the defacement for further action.

Advocate Prashant Manchanda, who filed a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the issue, noted extensive damage to public spaces, including bus stands and university walls, by candidates in the DUSU elections. Manchanda pointed out that this defacement violates a previous Delhi High Court judgment that established guidelines to prevent such activities.

The court has previously criticized both the Centre and the Delhi government for their failure to act against offenders responsible for damaging public property. Manchanda’s PIL sought a comprehensive ban on defacement during elections and urged civic agencies to impose heavy fines on political parties and candidates to discourage further violations of public spaces

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