The Delhi High Court has ordered a halt to the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and other college elections due to widespread acts of vandalism and defacement of public properties by candidates. The Court has directed that no counting shall take place until all defacement is removed and public properties are restored. This comes after a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking action against those responsible for the defacement, and a separate petition by students highlighting violations of election conduct guidelines. The court has also been informed of an emergent meeting attended by 16 out of 21 candidates, where they were asked to file affidavits to remove all posters and graffiti.
Delhi University Elections Halted Amid Allegations of Vandalism and Defacement
The Delhi High Court has halted the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and other college elections due to widespread acts of vandalism and defacement of public properties by candidates.
Background
The DUSU elections are highly contested and have a history of being marred by allegations of violence and malpractices. This year's elections were no different, with candidates allegedly defacing walls, lamp posts, and other public areas with posters and graffiti.
Court Order
On September 13, 2022, the Delhi High Court ordered a halt to the vote counting until all defacement is removed and public properties are restored. The order came after a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking action against those responsible for the defacement, and a separate petition by students highlighting violations of election conduct guidelines.
The court has also been informed of an emergent meeting attended by 16 out of 21 candidates, where they were asked to file affidavits to remove all posters and graffiti.
Consequences
The halting of the vote counting has thrown the election process into disarray. It is unclear when the counting will resume, and it is possible that the results could be delayed for an extended period.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: Why were the DUSU elections halted? A: The elections were halted due to widespread acts of vandalism and defacement of public properties by candidates.
Q: Who filed the plea that led to the halt? A: The plea was filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda.
Q: What is the court's order? A: The court has ordered a halt to the vote counting until all defacement is removed and public properties are restored.
Q: What is the history of violence and malpractices in DUSU elections? A: DUSU elections have a history of being marred by allegations of violence, intimidation, and malpractices.
Q: When will the vote counting resume? A: It is unclear when the counting will resume. The court has asked candidates to submit affidavits stating that they will remove all posters and graffiti, but it is possible that the results could be delayed for an extended period.
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