DUSU Elections Bond: DU May Scrap ₹1 Lakh Deposit Rule After Objections
Delhi University is reconsidering the ₹1 lakh DUSU elections bond after strong student objections. A final decision will be taken soon before the September polls.
Delhi University is rethinking its decision to make candidates in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections submit a ₹1 lakh bond. The rule, known as the DUSU elections bond, was introduced to stop defacement of university and public property during campaigning. However, strong opposition from students and organisations has forced the administration to review it.
The DUSU elections bond was part of guidelines issued on August 8, aimed at preventing damage to property during the polls. According to these rules, every candidate would need to execute a bond of ₹1,00,000 at the time of filing their nomination. The amount would be forfeited if the candidate or their supporters were found guilty of defacement or breaking election rules.
The guidelines were introduced after incidents in the 2024 elections, where widespread defacement of walls, gates, and public spaces took place. This led to delays in counting and result declaration. The Delhi High Court had ordered the removal of all defacements before results could be announced, causing a nearly two-month delay.
To avoid a repeat, Delhi University submitted reform suggestions to the court. The DUSU elections bond was among the proposed measures. The administration believed it would discourage damage and encourage clean campaigning.
However, the decision quickly became controversial. Many students and groups argued that the DUSU elections bond was too high and would make it difficult for candidates from humble backgrounds to contest. They said it created inequality by favoring those with greater financial means.
On August 14, representatives from different student organisations met the university’s election authorities to raise their objections. They were asked to submit written representations to the administration by August 16. The final decision on whether to keep or remove the DUSU elections bond will be taken after reviewing these submissions.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has been one of the main groups opposing the bond. It has submitted a memorandum to the university demanding the immediate removal of the rule. ABVP has also warned of launching a large-scale protest if the DUSU elections bond is not withdrawn.
The upcoming DUSU elections are scheduled for September 18, 2025. Counting of votes will take place on September 19. According to the current notification, nomination papers, along with a ₹500 annual fee and the DUSU elections bond, must be submitted by 3 pm on September 10.
If the bond rule stays, candidates will need to provide the ₹1 lakh deposit at the time of nomination. The amount will be refunded if no violation of the defacement rules is found. However, if a candidate or their supporters damage university or public property, the bond will be forfeited, and legal action may follow.
The university administration says the main goal of the DUSU elections bond is to maintain a clean and respectful campus during the election season. Past elections have seen aggressive campaigning that often resulted in damaged walls, posters on historical buildings, and littering across North Campus. These actions not only harmed the university’s image but also led to legal complications.
While some students agree that strict measures are needed to stop defacement, they believe the DUSU elections bond is too extreme. Many have suggested smaller fines or stricter enforcement of existing rules instead. Others feel that awareness campaigns and cooperation with student leaders could be a more effective approach than imposing a large financial deposit.
If the university decides to scrap or reduce the DUSU elections bond, it may still keep other rules in place to stop property damage. This could include fines for specific violations, bans on certain campaign methods, and better monitoring during the election period.
The controversy around the DUSU elections bond comes at a time when student politics at Delhi University is gaining renewed attention. With just a month left for the polls, candidates and organisations are beginning their campaigns, and the final decision on the bond will likely impact the participation level in this year’s elections.
Whether the DUSU elections bond stays or goes, the university will have to balance two concerns: ensuring fair access for all candidates and maintaining discipline during the elections. The next few days will be crucial in shaping how this year’s DUSU polls are conducted.
For now, all eyes are on the Delhi University administration’s final decision, which is expected shortly after August 16. Students and political groups are preparing for both possibilities, either arranging funds for the DUSU elections bond or adjusting their campaigns if the rule is scrapped.
