Delhi University orders revamp in student elections to curb ‘money and muscle power’

In a significant move to reform student politics, Delhi University (DU) recently proposed a major revamp of its student union election process, aiming to curb the influence of “money and muscle power.” The plan was presented during the varsity’s Executive Council meeting on Thursday.

The overhaul comes in response to a Delhi High Court order issued on November 11, 2024, in the case of Prashan Manchanda vs. Union of India. The court recommended a shift from the current single-tier election model to a two-tier system, a change designed to prevent election-related defacement and undue influence.

High court’s push for reform

The court’s intervention follows concerns over vandalism during student campaigns. In last year’s Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, 15 candidates were summoned for defacing public and private property. On Feb 24, the court directed these candidates to provide a written undertaking that they would not repeat such acts.

A university-appointed committee, established in response to the court order, has proposed decentralizing the election process. Under the new system, colleges, departments, and centres would hold their own elections, with elected representatives advancing to the university level to determine DUSU office bearers.

A return to the 1990s model

A senior DU official described the proposal as a return to the election structure of the 1990s, which also followed a two-tier system. “The committee’s suggestions were presented in the Executive Council meeting as a reporting item. They are not yet part of the agenda. Stakeholder feedback will be sought to refine the proposal and ensure elections are free from money and muscle power,” the official said.

“The proposed system ensures that college and department representatives compete for positions on the DUSU panel, rather than engaging in direct university-wide elections. This aims to create a safer and fairer election environment on campus,” the official added.

Lyngdoh Committee’s Recommendations in Focus

The High Court highlighted that this two-tier election system aligns with the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations on student union polls. According to the court, replacing the centralized single-tier DUSU elections with a decentralized approach would promote greater accountability and better campus governance.

“Young students deserve a second chance,” the court observed, underscoring the need for candidates to respect university infrastructure and engage in responsible election practices.

Ensuring compliance and accountability

As part of its directive, the court instructed Delhi University to enforce the new election rules and ensure that students who previously defaced public property take responsibility for restoring it. The university has been ordered to submit a status report within ten days, detailing compliance with the new guidelines.

In response, DU’s council resolved that the DUSU advisor and chief election officer must draft a detailed proposal for implementing the two-tier election model. The Vice-Chancellor has been authorized to make final decisions and report back to the Executive Council.

With these proposed reforms, Delhi University aims to restore integrity to student politics, making elections more transparent, disciplined, and free from external pressures.