HC scraps Rs 1L bond for DU student polls

The Delhi High Court on Friday struck down Delhi University’s provision requiring candidates to submit a Rs 1 lakh bond to contest elections to the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and college unions. The court directed the university to replace the monetary condition with an anti-defacement affidavit, calling the bond requirement discriminatory and contrary to constitutional principles.

The ruling came in response to a petition filed on August 23 by All India Students’ Association (AISA) members Anjali and Abhishek. After the second hearing, the bench categorically rejected DU’s proposal to retain a reduced bond amount of Rs 25,000 for college elections.

“This is a victory for campus democracy and student unions,” AISA said in a statement, hailing the judgement as a rejection of “monetary discrimination” in the electoral process.

Petitioner and AISA member Anjali welcomed the verdict, saying, “We welcome the High Court judgement for its commitment to inclusiveness in the university. Otherwise, the University would have been impossible for thousands like me — students from humble backgrounds and women — to raise their voice and even consider representing their peers as part of the democratic election process. I congratulate all DU students for this victory.”

AISA member and DUSU presidential candidate Saavy also hailed the decision, stating the verdict would ensure student politics remains accessible to all. “This is a victory against discriminatory practices and an undemocratic election process,” she said.

The move also follows sustained protests by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which had termed the bond provision “undemocratic”. ABVP organised demonstrations, submitted memorandums and met with the Vice-Chancellor, demanding the rule be scrapped.