The Delhi High Court on Thursday, 17 September 2026 warned that it may stay the counting of votes and declaration of results in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections if authorities fail to take credible action against candidates and individuals allegedly involved in violence and violations of election guidelines. The warning came a day before polling was scheduled on 18 September.

What the Court Said

A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made the warning explicit while hearing a petition filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda, seeking strict enforcement of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defacement guidelines, and the DUSU election code of conduct for the 2026-27 elections.

The bench made clear it was not staying or postponing the 18 September polling, but left no ambiguity about what could follow. “No excuses will be accepted by the Court, and we are making it very clear that, though we are not staying or postponing the election but, if we are not satisfied with your action, we can pass a harsher order staying the counting or declaration of results,” the court remarked.

The bench added: “We are more than conscious that we are a democratic society, but we are also conscious that this democracy cannot be converted into a criminal society.”

Allegations Before the Court

The petitioner alleged that the North Campus of Delhi University had witnessed serious incidents of violence involving candidates, supporters, and outsiders — including claims of the presence of firearms and attacks on professors and students. Incidents of vandalism, clashes, and the alleged entry of outsiders into college campuses were also placed before the court.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Union government, described the violence as “completely reprehensible” and stated that those found guilty must be brought to justice. He submitted that campaigning had ended, the university had since remained peaceful, and that this year’s elections had been 85-90 per cent peaceful owing to earlier court directions.

Court’s Findings and Directions

The CJ Upadhyaya-led bench questioned why law enforcement agencies had not acted against alleged violations and noted that student organisations were parties to the proceedings. “Students are also responsible for this criminal misconduct, not only the authorities,” the court observed, expressing particular concern over alleged attacks on teachers and reports of firearms on campus.

The bench recorded in its order that the material placed before it indicated a failure on the part of authorities, students, and others to ensure safe elections. “If the material shown to us is correct, it clearly demonstrates violation of the Lyngdoh Committee and the directions of this Court and the Supreme Court,” the order stated.

The court directed both Delhi University and the Delhi Police to file status reports detailing action taken in connection with incidents of unruly conduct and alleged guideline violations. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 18 September at 12 noon, with the bench stating necessary directions would follow based on the status reports.

Pattern of Concern: Past Court Orders

This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has intervened in DUSU elections. In an order passed in October 2024, the court had directed that vote counting would not proceed until it was satisfied that posters, graffiti, hoardings, and spray paint had been removed, vandalised public property restored, and losses caused by defacement recovered from erring candidates. At that time, the court had also expressed its prima facie view that money and muscle power had been “extensively used” in DUSU and college elections in breach of Lyngdoh Committee guidelines.

The bench had then observed that student elections, meant to be a ‘festival of democracy’, had been reduced to “a festival of money laundering and defacement of public property.” The recurrence of similar concerns in 2026 suggests that institutional compliance remains an unresolved challenge.

What Happens Next

With polling set for 18 September and the next hearing scheduled for noon the same day, the court’s next order will be pivotal. If the status reports from Delhi University and Delhi Police do not satisfy the bench, a stay on counting or the declaration of results remains a live possibility. Industry and academic observers will be watching whether student unions — described by the court as ‘nurseries of democracy’ — can reclaim that standing after repeated controversies.