New Delhi: Delhi High Court Thursday declined to interfere with Delhi University’s Rs 1-lakh indemnity requirement for candidates contesting the student elections. The court, however, clarified that not just parents, anyone in a position to pay Rs 1 lakh can stand as surety for the candidates.AISA activists had moved HC against an affidavit prescribed by the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election committee, requiring the candidates to obtain their parents’ or guardians’ consent along with the surety.“The condition is fair and reasonable except that the bond need not only be given by the parents and can be given by anyone… Don’t let your parents give it (surety), but anyone who has the financial means can pay,” Justice Jasmeet Singh said.During the elections, the situation is chaotic and the condition of the walls at every college is pitiable, the court observed, seeing merit in the mandatory requirement.DU said the move was in place for the 2025 elections as well and no change was made this year. Its counsel said the condition was meant only to prevent any damage to property, including walls of the colleges. In the affidavit, candidates must undertake to indemnify the university or their college by paying up to Rs 1 lakh for violations of applicable guidelines.All India Students’ Association alleged that the requirement undermined the autonomy of adult students and could prevent them from contesting the polls.
