DUSU Elections 2026: The Delhi High Court on Thursday took a strong exception to the incidents of violence and hooliganism during campaigning for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, issuing a warning that it would stay the counting of votes and declaration of results if authorities do not take satisfactory action.
Expressing strong displeasure over violent incidents, the court said the "unruly conduct" is not acceptable and satisfactory action must be taken.
A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia emphasised that "criminal" behaviour cannot be justified in the name of democracy, and asked Delhi Police and the Delhi University to file status reports by Friday.
We Can Pass Harsher Orders: HC
"No excuses will be accepted by the court. We are making it very clear that though we are not staying the election or postponing the election, if we are not satisfied by your action, tomorrow we can pass harsher orders, including staying the counting and declaration of results," the bench stated.
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"What we feel is that unless such drastic orders are passed, no one is going to come to terms and it is very sad. Please tell us if you are unable to control the situation. We know how to get it done. This can't be permitted," it further said.
The court said that the material before it showed a "complete failure" on part of the authorities and the students in ensuring a smooth election process in DU and compliance with the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee report and the orders of the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Advocate Prashant Manchanda said Wednesday was the "blackest day" in the history of DUSU elections, when certain persons hijacked DU's north campus area and professors and students were beaten.
Manchanda's latest application alleged that this year, election campaigning witnessed violence, vandalism, large-scale mobilisation and entry of outsiders and use of fleets of high-end vehicles, which included cars without registration plates, etc, in complete violation of the norms.
Will Take Strict Action: Centre
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, assured that action would be taken against those responsible for the "abominable" actions and that an FIR has already been registered by the police and arrests would be made.
Meanwhile, voting is scheduled to be held on Friday and counting of votes on September 19. Campaigning ended on Wednesday.
(With PTI inputs)