The Delhi High Court has granted approval for the counting of votes in the 2024 Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, contingent on a comprehensive cleanup of campaign materials across campus. The court had previously halted the vote count, citing widespread defacement of university and public property during the campaign.
A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed Delhi University to proceed with counting by November 26, provided all posters, graffiti, and other campaign remnants are removed. “The matter is closed with a direction to DU to conduct the counting process if it is satisfied that the sites are fully cleaned,” the bench stated, emphasizing that the proceedings aimed to promote corrective action rather than impose penalties.
Counsel representing the candidates assured the court of their commitment to fully restore the affected areas. While much of the North and South Campuses has been cleaned, photographs submitted to the court showed campaign-related materials still present on properties near the university.
The case originated from a petition by advocate Prashant Manchanda, who sought accountability from candidates and student organizations for allegedly defacing public spaces during election activities.
(With agency inputs)