Delhi High Court’s Dual Intervention on Student Protests and University Election Conduct

On September 16, 2026, a two-judge bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia rejected a public-interest litigation seeking a judicial inquiry into Delhi Police’s alleged lathi-charge on students in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against the NEET paper leak. Petitioner Nitin Naresh argued that the truth was needed for accountability, but the court held that a PIL is not the proper vehicle for such fact-finding and asked the petitioner to demonstrate a statutory right to the relief sought.

The Hindu"How Are They Students? " High Court On Delhi University Polls' Violence The Indian Express

Later that week, the same bench addressed a petition alleging violations of the model code of conduct during the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections. The court barred any victory procession on roads, within the campus, or in hostels and warned that any breach would attract criminal, administrative, and contempt proceedings. It ordered Delhi Police and university authorities to report on actions taken by September 18 and indicated that, depending on the report, it could impose “harsher orders,” including a possible stay of the elections.

"How Are They Students? " High Court On Delhi University Polls' Violence

• NEET-related protests: The CJP began a sit-in at Jantar Mantar on June 20 to demand accountability for a leaked NEET paper and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On July 20, a “Chalo Sansad” march was met with reports of police using lathi-charge and tear-gas. The agitation ended after Pradhan’s resignation.

The Hindu

• DUSU elections: The poll featured 140 candidates. Campaigning saw “cavalcades” of luxury cars, candidates standing on vehicle bonnets, and alleged weapon displays. Advocate Prashant Manchanda filed the petition citing photographs of unregistered vehicles, campus defacement, and violent incidents.

"How Are They Students? " High Court On Delhi University Polls' Violence

• June 20 – CJP initiates protest at Jantar Mantar.

The Hindu

• July 20 – “Chalo Sansad” march; media reports of police lathi-charge.

The Hindu

• September 16, 2026 – Court dismisses PIL on alleged lathi-charge.

The Hindu

• September 18 – Court seeks status reports on DUSU election violations.

The Indian Express

• Protest crowd on July 20: thousands.

The Hindu

• DUSU election candidates: 140.

"How Are They Students? " High Court On Delhi University Polls' Violence

• Alleged violations: unregistered vehicles, weapon displays, campus defacement, instances of violence.

"How Are They Students? " High Court On Delhi University Polls' Violence

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma described the cited violations as “abominable, reprehensible,” called the university’s north campus “porous,” and affirmed police are under administrative control.

The Indian Express

• Lathi-charge claim: Media accounts described police using batons, while Delhi Police denied any lathi-charge. The court noted the contradiction but declined to order an inquiry.

The Hindu

• Enforcement evidence: The petition presented photographic evidence of unregistered vehicles and weapon displays, yet authorities had not provided a comprehensive response at the hearing, leaving a gap in verified enforcement actions.

The Hindu

Based on the status reports due September 18, the bench may issue “harsher orders,” potentially staying the DUSU elections if violations are not addressed. Any breach of the procession ban will trigger immediate criminal and contempt action.

The Indian Express