DUSU Elections 2026: Delhi HC Bans Victory Processions, Warns of Postponing Results Over Violence
The Delhi High Court has warned that it could stop the counting procedure and postpone the results if a status report is not provided by today, September 18, over the incidents of violence that occurred on the university campus while students campaigned for the DUSU Elections 2026. Today, the court decided to ban victory processions in view of the violence during the DUSU elections on Wednesday.
As Delhi University begins polling to select the student union today, September 18, the Delhi High Court, over incidents of student violence and vandalism, has warned that it could stop the counting or postpone the results, which are scheduled to be declared tomorrow, September 19, 2026.
"Student slapping a teacher," Says HC Over Violence In DUSU Elections, Bans Victory Processions
The high court resumed the hearing today, September 18, with the Bench questioning the DCP over alleged cavalcades of vehicles without number plates in North Campus, saying: “You can’t deny the photographs. How was this allowed despite adequate police deployment?” The court today banned the victory processions in view of the violence during elections.
"This is happening year after year, nothing has changed. A student slapping a teacher after winning—who can think of this? Victory should make you humble," the court said, adding that it is issuing show-cause notices to individual candidates and notices to student organisations for collective damages.
The lawyer appearing in court on behalf of the petitioner termed Wednesday, September 16, as the “blackest day” in the history of Delhi University Student Elections (DUSU).
Rolls Royce, Tractors, ‘Drift’ Stunts In DUSU Election Campaigning
The plea alleged the use of “money and muscle power” and mentioned that incidents of gunfire and violence occurred, leaving several students injured. It further alleged that Rolls Royce cars and tractors without number plates were used for campaigning, while students sat on the roofs of the cars and performed drift stunts.
The violence included clashes between NSUI and ABVP supporters outside the Law Centre in North Campus. Several students were reportedly injured, while a professor was also attacked by campaigners.
The plea mentioned that 10-foot mascots and printed posters, which are not allowed for campaigning under the code of conduct, were seen. It sought the disqualification of candidates found violating the rules and action against university officials for allegedly failing to enforce them.
Over the incidents, the court had pulled up the university, the Centre and Delhi Police on September 17 and said that if it was not satisfied with the status report, it could stop the counting or postpone the results.
“The court will not accept any excuse. We are not staying or postponing the elections, but if we are not satisfied with the report, we can pass a harsher order, including stopping the counting and postponing the result. If you are unable to control the situation, we know how to get it done,” the court said.
The court ordered Delhi University and the Delhi Police to file status reports on the action taken over the incidents by September 18.
Lyngdoh Committee Guidelines
Lawyer Prashant Manchanda, who filed the petition seeking action against candidates involved in the defacement of public property, appeared before the division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Teja Karia.
Manchanda said the university had failed to enforce the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines despite the court’s warning last year. The guidelines aim to bring reforms and curb the influence of money and muscle power in student elections.
The final phase of the election saw clashes between ABVP and NSUI supporters. The court observed that while officials may not be held responsible for such “criminal and reckless” behaviour, students are responsible for their actions.
“We cannot permit this. Enough is enough. You are thrashing teachers and brandishing guns. If you (authorities) cannot control this, we will cancel the elections. You cannot shirk away from your responsibility. Leave your job if you are unable to control,” the bench said.
Delhi University Student Elections Voting Live
What The Centre Said
Counsel Mohinder Rupal appeared for Delhi University, while Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma appeared on behalf of the Centre.
Chetan Sharma said that while such conduct was reprehensible and the guilty must be brought to book, this year’s elections were 85–90 per cent better than the elections held the previous year.
The matter is scheduled to be taken up today, September 18, 2026, amid ongoing voting.
This year, RSS-affiliated ABVP, Congress’s NSUI, and the Left alliance of AISA and SFI are fighting for the posts of president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary.
Sahil Behl is an education journalist at Jagran with over a year of experience in journalism. Prior to joining Jagran, he worked as a Sub-Editor in NDTV’s Education department, where he was responsible for writing and editing education-related content as well as managing the department’s social media presence. At Jagran, he covers a wide range of education topics, including board examinations, school updates, admissions, and job notifications, while leveraging his editorial expertise and strong understanding of digital content strategy. Sahil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has also completed an eight-month certification program in Data Science. Passionate about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, he closely tracks their growing role in journalism and explores how they are transforming shaping the future of the media industry.
