The High Court of Delhi on Monday, October 28, 2024, summoned 15 candidates who were the part of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, accusing the candidates of defacing public property on campus. The court’s action followed by the report according to which candidates used extensive posters, banners and graffiti on university walls, which is a violation of regulation.
Delhi High court’s involvement with this case began after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against the property defacement by DUSU candidates during their campaigning process. The PIL argued that the walls of the university is a shared public heritage and such unauthorized posters vanishes the appearance of the institution. Observing their concerns, Delhi High court held hearings to address this issue and gave the declaration that election result would not be declared till all the defaced property is restored.
During the recent hearing, the bench, comprising chief justice Manmohan and justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidates’ disregard for campus regulations, emphasizing that freedom of expression does not extend to damaging public property.
Sixteen students were asked to summon in the court during the last hearing on October 21, 2024, out of which 15 candidates were appeared in court on Monday, with only one candidate absent.
The court told the candidates that they were responsible to set the positive example by exploring more alternative way for promoting their campaigns such as digital outreach, making the election process digital and eco-friendly, but instead, candidates ended up in destroying the public property.
Court also gave the example to make the candidates understand by saying “Imagine someone spray-painted slogans on your home. You do not have the right to deface university property or any public space.”
Chief justice Manmohan remarked that while the court considered filling FIRs against the candidates involved, but instead of this, it has decided to give a chance to students to demonstrate remorse by actively participating in campus restoration.
Overall, Delhi High Court’s this approach of dealing with the issue is appreciable as it also expected to influence other universities where defacement during students elections has been an issue. Through this intervention, the judiciary aims to promote a culture of responsible campaigning and respect for public spaces among student communities. High Court’s summons underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding public property. This hearing is seen as an crucial step to prevent the future defacement and to encourage students to work under the guidelines by the particular institutions.
