Delhi HC Upholds DU Rs 1-Lakh Indemnity Rule for DUSU Candidates

The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to interfere with Delhi University's requirement of a Rs 1-lakh indemnity bond for candidates contesting the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. The court, however, clarified that the surety does not necessarily have to come from parents, ruling that anyone who is in a financial position to pay the Rs 1 lakh amount can stand as surety for a contesting candidate.

The ruling came after activists from the All India Students' Association (AISA) approached the High Court to challenge the affidavit mandated by the DUSU election committee. Under the committee's rules, prospective candidates were required to submit an affidavit securing consent along with a financial surety from their parents or legal guardians.

Justice Jasmeet Singh upheld the essence of the requirement, modifying only who could serve as the guarantor. "The condition is fair and reasonable except that the bond need not only be given by the parents and can be given by anyone... Don’t let your parents give it (surety), but anyone who has the financial means can pay," Justice Singh observed during the hearing.

The court noted merit in enforcing a mandatory financial requirement, observing that the atmosphere turns chaotic during student union elections and the condition of walls across colleges becomes pitiable due to campaigning activities.

Defending the measure, Delhi University informed the court that the rule was not new and had been enforced during the 2025 elections as well, with no modifications introduced for the current election cycle. Counsel appearing for the university submitted that the indemnity condition was introduced solely to prevent defacement and damage to campus property.