The Delhi High Court expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday over the defacement of public property during the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election campaign. A bench comprising Chief Justice Designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela criticized the massive spending by candidates, stating that elections should be a “festival of democracy, not money laundering.”
The court, after reviewing photographs of public property defacement, remarked that the situation was worse than in general elections. It urged the Delhi University vice-chancellor to take strict action, suggesting the possibility of deferring the September 27 elections, disqualifying candidates, or withholding results until all defacement is cleaned up.
The court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who sought action against candidates and student political groups responsible for damaging and defacing public property, including classrooms, thereby depriving students of a clean learning environment. Manchanda called for those responsible to be ordered to remove the defacement and restore the damaged areas.
During the hearing, the Delhi University counsel informed the court that show cause notices had been issued to erring candidates, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported that many posters and banners had been removed, though a significant amount remained.
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on Thursday, directing Delhi Police, the MCD, and Delhi Metro to cooperate with Delhi University to prevent further defacement and ensure the removal of existing damage. The bench emphasized that such behaviour reflects poorly on educational institutions and could lead to corruption of the youth.