Delhi HC slams DUSU polls: 'Festival of democracy or money laundering?'
- In Reports
- 10:30 PM, Sep 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Delhi High Court expressed concern over the large-scale defacement and excessive spending during the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. The court questioned whether the elections were truly a "festival of democracy" or just a way to launder money, reflecting its dismay at the situation.
Following the petitioner Advocate Prashant Manchanda's alert to the widespread defacement of public and metro properties—especially by candidates running in the September 26 DUSU elections—comments were made.
The Delhi University Vice Chancellor needed to intervene, according to a bench consisting of Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice-designate, and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. “Do you have any idea how much money is being spent? It is time that the Vice-Chancellor saw it…If they have to annul, they can annul the polls,” the bench said on Wednesday. "Either you defer the elections till it gets cleaned up or you remove their candidature and ask for new nominations," the bench issued a warning to the university.
The court expressed alarm and harsh remarks after petitioner Advocate Prashant Manchanda brought up the widespread vandalism of public and metro properties, especially by candidates running in the September 26 DUSU elections. He informed the court that the defacement included damage to university walls, bus stands, police station walls, and other public areas.
In Prashant Manchanda v. UOI (W.P.(C) 7824 and 8251 of 2017), the Delhi High Court issued guidelines to handle complaints of defacement. Advocate Manchanda emphasised the violation of the ruling. On Thursday, the High Court will resume the hearing.
Image source: India Today
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