The Delhi High Court has directed Delhi University (DU) to respond to a petition challenging its rule that requires candidates in student elections to furnish a ₹1-lakh surety with the signature of parents or guardians.
The petition, filed by members of the All India Students’ Association, argued that the rule discriminates against students from modest socio-economic backgrounds and curtails their right to contest elections.
Student groups across organisations criticised the move, saying it undermines their autonomy as adults.
University officials declined to comment, saying the matter is sub judice. However, earlier this week, Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma clarified that the surety amount would only be forfeited if candidates violate anti-defacement rules.
He stressed that students are misinterpreting the clause: “There is no deposit. Surety is only a technical requirement. If parents or guardians are unavailable to sign, friends or relatives can do so.”
Court deadline
The court on Thursdaygranted the university four weeks to file its response, but sources indicated it would be submittedsooner, given the ongoing election schedule. Counting is scheduled for September 18.
The controversy follows last year’s elections, when the Delhi High Court withheld counting for two months due to widespread defacement. The surety clause was introduced this year to deter such violations, with the parent/guardian signature intended as a formal guarantee.
University officials have noted that compliance has been high so far, with the North Campus remaining free from defacement compared to previous years. Although a new online portal for complaints has also been launched, the university officials said no complaint has been received to date.
Published – September 07, 2025 12:53 am IST
