Delhi University (DU) plans to implement stricter measures to curb “money and muscle power” in student union elections following issues in this year’s polls, which led to Delhi High Court intervention.

On Tuesday, a committee on poll reforms convened to discuss potential actions against repeated election violations, such as candidates overspending and defacing public property. The committee also considered reserving seats for women in the elections.

This year, DU faced criticism from the court for failing to enforce Lyngdoh Committee guidelines and National Green Tribunal (NGT) rules. Complaints arose over widespread graffiti and posters across public spaces and university walls, leading the court to order DU to compensate civic agencies for cleanup costs. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has since demanded Rs 1 crore for the cleanup across its 12 zones.

“A major concern discussed was public property defacement during elections, which prompted the court’s directives,” said a DU official. “We’re exploring reform measures, though further meetings are needed to finalize policies.”

The Lyngdoh Committee guidelines cap campaign spending at Rs 5,000 per candidate, yet candidates often breach this limit with luxury cars, oversized banners, and costly promotions. Despite rules against printed posters, DU campuses were heavily plastered this year.

DU plans to enhance rule enforcement and will submit a report to the court on November 11. DUSU election results remain delayed as per court orders until defacement is cleared—a first for DU. The elections were held on September 27, with results initially slated for September 28.

Source: PTI

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