New Delhi: Warning it may put counting and results on hold, Delhi High Court Thursday lashed out at “criminal and reckless conduct” of students during campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. It gave a day’s time to DU and police to demonstrate their seriousness in punishing those behind violence and hooliganism.Campaigning for DUSU polls ended Wednesday. Counting of votes is on Friday.“No excuses will be accepted… 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… 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,” a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said.HC was hearing an urgent application filed by lawyer Prashant Manchanda, highlighting rampant violation of earlier court orders, Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement guidelines and the DUSU election code of conduct during the 2026-27 polls.“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,” HC observed as it directed DU and police to file status reports on action taken against those who thrashed teachers and indulged in other unruly conduct.The bench said material placed before it by Manchanda “depicts a picture where there appears to be an almost complete failure on the part of the authorities, students and other responsible sections of the society to ensure smooth elections of DUSU… clearly establishes that there have been frequent violations, not only of the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, but also of the orders passed from time to time by this court as also by Supreme Court.”HC made it clear it expected lawyers representing the various students’ organisations to appear for hearing Friday.The court took serious exception to photos and videos showing cars without number plates being used in campaigning and even posted on the candidates’ official handles.“Student unions in universities or colleges are said to be nurseries of democracy and, therefore, the democratic process involving them needs to be strengthened, which will go a long way in strengthening our own democratic system in the society. However, permitting elections of student unions to take a colour as depicted in the material placed on record is unacceptable at any cost,” the court observed.“Enough is enough. You (students) are thrashing your own teachers in the name of being creative, brandishing guns. You (DU) simply say you cannot control anything. We will abandon the elections. If you are unable to control, leave your job. Your own daughter, my niece are studying in North Campus. What will happen to them?” the court asked counsel appearing for the authorities.“Is it so difficult for you to act against these elements roaming on the streets of Delhi? That too in unregistered cars… Have you made any arrests? Teachers have been thrashed,” the court orally remarked after additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma assured steps would be taken.Manchanda, whose petition concerning DUSU polls is pending in court, said he received messages from teachers and students saying “guns have been used and the entire campus has been hijacked”.
