Delhi University Imposes 100,000 Indian Rupees Bond Regulation to Hinder Graffiti During Elections
The University of Delhi (DU) has issued new guidelines to prevent defacement of college and university property during the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. A key measure in enforcing these rules is a mandatory Rs 1 lakh bond that every candidate must sign when filing their nomination.
To ensure adherence to the rules and handle complaints, several mechanisms have been put in place:
- Monitoring committees: Both a College Committee and a University Committee for Prevention of Defacement of Property have been established to oversee the election campaigning[3]. Details of these committees will be displayed on institutional websites and notice boards.
- Designated campaign spaces: Each college/department is restricted to two specific "Walls of Democracy" for displaying posters and materials to limit vandalism elsewhere[1][3][5].
- Orientation and sensitization programs: Institutions must conduct programs educating candidates and students about respecting campus property and election discipline[1][3].
- Online complaint portals: Students can report violations through dedicated online platforms at university and college levels to facilitate quick action[5].
Candidates are encouraged to use electronic media and debates for campaigning, as traditional methods such as posters, rallies, loudspeakers, roadshows, Shakti Pradarshan, and vehicle processions are banned[3][5].
Consequences for violating these rules include:
- Forfeiture of the Rs 1 lakh bond provided at nomination[1][3][5].
- Fines up to Rs 25,000 as penalties for defacement or related violations[5].
- Disciplinary actions like suspension, rustication, expulsion, or disqualification from the elections[5].
- Legal action if false identities are used in campaigning, with police complaints to be filed within 24 hours[5].
Colleges are advised to organize debates among contesting candidates, which can be uploaded online. Entry of outsiders to any college or department will be strictly prohibited[2]. DU will constitute a 'University Committee for Prevention of Defacement of Property' and similar panels in colleges[4].
Any act of defacement will be treated as gross indiscipline and dealt with under strict disciplinary action[6]. Candidates must remove posters and file a police report within 24 hours if impersonation or deliberate misspelling of names is found on them, or face fines, suspension, or even rustication[7].
Overall, DU’s enforcement combines financial deterrents, structural controls, education, and disciplinary measures to maintain a clean and fair electoral environment on campus[1][3][5]. Biometric or facial recognition systems are recommended for monitoring entry[8].
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/du-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections/article39996056.ece [2] https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/du-to-bar-outsiders-during-dusu-elections-1806551-2022-08-08 [3] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-university-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections-2022-candidates-to-sign-1-lakh-bond-3220873 [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/du-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections/article39996056.ece [5] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-university-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections-2022-candidates-to-sign-1-lakh-bond-3220873 [6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/du-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections/article39996056.ece [7] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-university-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections-2022-candidates-to-sign-1-lakh-bond-3220873 [8] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/du-issues-guidelines-for-dusu-elections/article39996056.ece
- The implementation of these guidelines at the University of Delhi for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections is not limited to enforcing the mandatory Rs 1 lakh bond, but also includes the establishment of monitoring committees, setting up designated campaign spaces, conducting orientation and sensitization programs, and providing online complaint portals for handling violations.
- Candidates in the DUSU elections are expected to follow these rules diligently, and any failure to respect campus property or election discipline could lead to penalties such as the forfeiture of the Rs 1 lakh bond, fines, disciplinary actions, legal action, or even disqualification from the elections.
