The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of the Delhi University on a plea alleging violation of a recent order barring any kind of victory processions by the candidates who won the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia was dealing with an application filed by Prashant Manchanda.

Appearing in person, Manchanda said that despite a clear order, the candidates who won indulged in victory processions, which amounted to contempt of court.

The Court noted that all the candidates have already been issued show cause notices as per its last order, including those who won the polls.

It asked Manchanda to include all the material in the dossier to be prepared and filed by him.

Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal appearing for the varsity said that on winning elections, certain sentiments become uncontrollable and that this year, even dhols did not come.

On this, the Court remarked:

“Even dhol would have been fine. The difficulty is otherwise. The difficulty is the show of (muscle and money power). That is the concern…. Things need to be done.”

On September 18, the Court had issued notices to all student organizations and their candidates asking them to show cause why they may not be saddled with exemplary electoral damages for violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations as well as judicial orders passed from time to time.

Manchanda in his petition moved in 2017 has souvht action against the candidates indulging in the defacement of public properties. The plea also sought the removal of the defacement and refurbishment of the areas.

He has alleged that there was vandalism by the candidates which is in violation of Lyngdoh Committee norms and judicial orders passed from time to time.

Lyngdoh Committee recommendations prescribe that student elections in colleges and universities must remain free from political party influence.

Manchanda raised concerns about violation of guidelines and other prescribed measures framed to ensure that elections of DUSU are held in an orderly and peaceful manner.

Even last year, CJ Upadhyaya had made it clear that the polls must take place in an orderly manner, without defacement of properties or illegal plying of vehicles.

The Bench had also observed students cannot take law in their own hands during the students' union elections.

Title: Prashant Manchanda v. Union of India & Ors