They are openly displaying weapons, how can these be students, the Delhi High Court questioned on Friday, referencing the alleged incidents of violence during campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
The court banned any victory procession following the declaration of poll results, directing that the ban would apply not only on roads but also within the university campus and hostels. It also directed the student organisations present in court to immediately apprise all candidates, students and their supporters of the court’s directions without waiting for a copy of the order The court came down strongly on the alleged use of cavalcades and other violations during the election campaign and questioned how such activities were allowed despite the deployment of a large police force. The court also questioned the practice of candidates allegedly standing on car roofs and bonnets during campaigning, asking: “What else is hooliganism? What can be more alarming than all this in the capital city of our nation?”
“It will be the responsibility of the Delhi Police to ensure that any such victory procession does not take place,” the court said, adding that any violation would invite criminal and administrative action and would also amount to contempt of court. The bench, headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, said any violation found must be acted upon immediately and directed Delhi Police and DU authorities to take all permissible preventive measures.
