New Delhi, Sep 17 — The Delhi High Court on Thursday warned that it may stay the counting of votes and declaration of results in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections if it is not satisfied with the action taken by authorities against candidates and persons allegedly involved in violence and violations of election guidelines.

A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made the observation while hearing an application filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, seeking strict enforcement of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement guidelines and the DUSU election code of conduct during the 2026-27 elections.

The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench, while making it clear that it was not staying or postponing the polling scheduled for September 18, said that a harsher order could be passed if the authorities failed to control the situation. "No excuses will be accepted by the Court, and we are making it very clear that, though we are not staying or postponing the election but, if we are not satisfied with your action, we can pass a harsher order staying the counting or declaration of results," the High Court remarked.

"We are more than conscious that we are a democratic society, but we are also conscious that this democracy cannot be converted into a criminal society," it added.

The High Court directed Delhi University and Delhi Police to file status reports on the action taken in connection with incidents of unruly conduct and alleged violations of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, judicial orders and the election code of conduct.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 18 at 12 noon, with the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench stating that necessary directions would be passed based on the status reports.

During the hearing, the petitioner alleged that the North Campus had witnessed incidents of violence involving candidates, supporters and outsiders, including claims of the presence of firearms and attacks on professors and students.

The petitioner also referred to reported incidents of vandalism, clashes and the alleged entry of outsiders into college campuses. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Union government, described the violence incident as "completely reprehensible" and said that those found guilty should be brought to justice.

The Centre’s law officer stated that action would be taken against persons seen violating the law, while also submitting that campaigning had ended and that the varsity had remained peaceful thereafter. ASG Sharma further submitted that the elections had been 85-90 per cent peaceful this year due to the directions issued by the High Court.

However, the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench questioned the authorities over their ability to maintain law and order during the elections and asked why law enforcement agencies were not taking action against alleged violations.

It observed that student organisations were parties to the proceedings and indicated that strict orders might be necessary to ensure compliance. "Students are also responsible for this criminal misconduct, not only the authorities," the High Court remarked, while expressing concern over alleged attacks on teachers and the reported presence of firearms.

The High Court observed that student unions in universities and colleges are considered "nurseries of democracy", but said that allowing student union elections to take the form reflected in the case was unacceptable.

In its order, the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench recorded that the material placed before it indicated a failure on the part of authorities, students and others to ensure safe elections. "If the material shown to us is correct, it clearly demonstrates violation of the Lyngdoh Committee and the directions of this Court and the Supreme Court," the order stated.

The High Court directed Delhi University and the Delhi Police to file status reports detailing the action taken after the alleged incident of unruly conduct and violations of the election guidelines and code of conduct.

In an earlier order passed in October 2024 concerning the DUSU and college elections, the Delhi High Court had directed that the counting of votes would not take place until it was satisfied that posters, graffiti, hoardings and spray paint had been removed, vandalised public property restored and losses caused by defacement made good by the erring candidates. It had also expressed its prima facie view that money and muscle power had been extensively used in DUSU and college elections in violation of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines.

The High Court had observed that elections, which were supposed to be a festival of democracy, had been turned into a festival of money laundering and defacement of public property.

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