Punchline: On September 20, 2025, the Delhi High Court pulled up winners of the Delhi University Students’ Union elections for using luxury cars and flashy convoys, saying student politics is losing its democratic spirit.
What the Court Saw
The Delhi High Court expressed shock after watching videos and looking at photos from this year’s Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. Instead of normal rallies and processions, candidates were seen arriving with convoys of luxury cars like BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, Bentleys, tractors, and even JCB machines. The judges said this kind of show-off was “sad, tragic, and against the very spirit of student democracy.”
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed: “We are most disappointed with the students. Elections in universities should be about ideas and debates, not about flashy cars and money power.”
Notices to Student Leaders
The court has sent notices to several newly elected leaders who were part of these convoys, including:
- Aryan Mann, President (ABVP)
- Rahul Jhansla, Vice President (NSUI)
- Other office-bearers like Secretary and Joint Secretary.
They have been asked to explain how these vehicles were used, who provided them, and why they became part of student election campaigns.
Why the Court Is Angry
The judges reminded everyone about the Lyngdoh Committee rules, which were created to keep student elections simple and fair. These rules clearly say that there should be no use of luxury vehicles, money power, or defacement of property in campaigning. The court also recalled that it had warned students in 2024 against such behavior, but the same violations continued this year.
The bench also asked the Delhi University administration and Delhi Police why they allowed these practices to happen and whether they made any real effort to enforce the rules.
Why It Matters for Students
The High Court explained that student elections are meant to prepare young people for the responsibilities of democracy. If students learn from the start that elections are about showing wealth, hiring convoys, and using muscle power, then the values of fairness and equality in democracy will be lost. The judges said this creates an unequal competition, because not all students can afford to spend such large sums or rent luxury cars.
Instead of talking about issues like better hostels, library improvements, student safety, scholarships, and campus transport, candidates were focusing on impressing voters with showy vehicles. The judges called this a dangerous sign for the future.
What the Court Ordered
To deal with the matter, the court has:
- Asked news channels and media outlets that filmed these convoys to provide video footage as evidence.
- Directed the student leaders to submit written replies explaining their role.
- Asked Delhi University and Delhi Police to file reports on what they did to control such violations.
- Warned that if such practices continue, the court may consider cancelling election results or stopping elections in future years.
Bigger Picture of DUSU Elections
The DUSU elections are among the biggest student polls in India, with thousands of students voting every year. Many national-level politicians, including MPs and MLAs, once started their journey in student politics. This makes the elections even more important. But in recent years, they have turned into a display of money, posters, and power shows, rather than a debate on student issues.
Teachers, parents, and former student leaders have often expressed concern that DUSU polls are no longer about ideas, responsibility, and service, but about who can show more strength and wealth. The High Court echoed the same worry and said this trend must be stopped.
Final Word
The Delhi High Court’s strong words are a warning to both student leaders and university authorities. Student elections should reflect debates, welfare, and leadership qualities, not luxury convoys and show-offs. The court made it clear that democracy starts in the classroom and on the campus — and if that space is corrupted by money and cars, it will harm the country’s future leaders. Whether this judgement will truly change future DUSU elections is something only time will tell.
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Author: Team BTP
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