The directions came after an application was moved by petitioner, Advocate Prashant Manchanda, which highlighted Sections 78 and 82 of the Metro Railway (Operation and maintenance) Act, 2002
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a show cause notice to Delhi University students contesting the students' union elections, seeking their reply on a plea that has sought directions to municipal bodies to slap heavy fines on political parties and candidates for defacing public property by putting up poll-related posters.
A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Harishankar directed the students to be present on the next date of hearing with replies as to why action should not be taken against them.
The directions came after an application was moved by petitioner, Advocate Prashant Manchanda, which highlighted Sections 78 and 82 of the Metro Railway (Operation and maintenance) Act, 2002. According to the Act, the offence of defacement was cognizable, non-bailable, and a guilty person could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Manchanda further alleged that poll candidates disrupted classes. He submitted photographs of advertisements that have been spray painted on walls. He sought directions to the municipal bodies to slap heavy fines and directions to authorities to "refurbish and prevent further defacement of properties by the DUSU political outfits and aspiring candidates".
"We would like to hear the students. It is about their future as the maximum imprisonment is 10 years," the Bench said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), who was present in the court, said 33 FIRs have been registered against unidentified people in this regard. Appearing for the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, its counsel said they have removed the posters and have directed the concerned officials to look into the matter.
The court also sought the reply of Commissioners of the three MCDs and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The Bench further issued a notice to the Election Commissioner and DU Vice-Chancellor to take appropriate action, and fixed September 20 as the next date of hearing.
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