Scrap Mumbai University council polls, demands students' group

After allegations of threats and bribes, the Mumbai University’s student council elections have hit another roadblock. A students’ group has demanded the scrapping of elections since it flouts several rules of the Maharashtra Universities Act of 1994.

“There have been several wrongdoings in the election process. The university is required to announce the elections within 45 days of the start of the academic year. Though the university’s academic year started on June 11, the announcement regarding elections was made on October 11,” said Manoj Tekade of Prahar students group.

The group will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay high court on Monday.

The president and secretary of the council will be elected on January 15.

“The final exams are scheduled for March 20. What will the president and secretary do in just two months? There is absolutely no chance for them to improve things in the university,” said another member of Prahar.

The group has alleged that members of various political parties are also involved in the election and that is a violation of the Act. “The Act clearly states that the contestants must not be associated with any political party. However, representatives of various political outfits attend the meeting while the process of scrutinizing the forms of candidates is on,” said Tekade.

The scrutiny of candidates’ forms was conducted on Saturdays in the presence of members of the university. Commenting on the scrutiny, Mrudul Nile, dean of student affairs, said, “There were a few objections so the university has sought legal advice in the matter.” He, however, refused to comment on the presence of political representatives.