As the All India Students’ Association (AISA) once again approached the Delhi High Court over the clause mandating a ₹1-lakh surety with parental or guardian signature for contesting the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, university officials on Thursday described it as a “technical requirement” in line with the High Court’s suggestions.
At a press conference, Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma said the clause was being misinterpreted. He clarified that the amount would be forfeited only if a student violated anti-defacement guidelines. “Earlier, the court had made it clear that no deposit amount was needed, but the university should take a surety of ₹1 lakh,” he said.
“Students are worried about who will pay the amount if they don’t have ₹1 lakh in their account. But there is no cause for worry as it is only a technical requirement,” Mr. Sharma added.
Students’ objection
Student organisations have called the provision an attack on student autonomy. AISA activists said they had filed a writ petition and were awaiting a hearing. Officials declined to comment, saying the matter was sub judice.
