Delhi High Court Allows Any Solvent Person to Give ₹1 Lakh Surety for DUSU Candidates
The Delhi High Court on Thursday ruled that not just parents but anyone in a position to pay ₹1 lakh can stand as surety for candidates contesting the upcoming Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. The court modified a requirement introduced by the university's election committee that had mandated candidates to submit an affidavit with parental consent and financial guarantee.
Justice Jasmeet Singh issued the order while hearing a petition filed by All India Students' Association (AISA) activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar. The petitioners had challenged the prescribed affidavit, which required candidates to secure their parents' or guardians' consent alongside a ₹1 lakh surety to contest the university polls.
Justice Singh observed that the overall condition was fair and reasonable, with the exception of restricting the surety exclusively to parents. The court noted that the bond can be given by anyone, including a guardian who has the financial means and is in a position to stand as surety. Addressing election conditions, the court remarked that the atmosphere during campaigning becomes chaotic and the condition of walls across college campuses is left pitiable.
Under the impugned guidelines for the 2026-27 DUSU elections, candidates must undertake to indemnify the university or their respective colleges by paying up to ₹1 lakh for any violations of campaign rules, including the defacement of public, college, or university property. The undertaking also requires candidates to submit bank account details for both themselves and their parents or guardians.
Counsel appearing for Delhi University defended the measure, stating that the rule had already been implemented during the 2025 elections and remained unchanged this year. The university argued that the requirement was established to curb widespread property damage and ensure that a solvent individual is legally accountable if candidates or their supporters breach campaign norms.
AISA opposed the condition, arguing in a statement that university students are autonomous adults who do not require parental clearance to seek student office. The student organisation contended that the mandatory financial indemnity disproportionately limits women candidates and financially independent students lacking family or institutional backing. The DUSU elections are scheduled to take place on September 18, with the counting of votes and results expected on September 19.
