DU demands police action against those defacing walls for poll campaign
Delhi University has requested the Delhi Police Commissioner to initiate action against those defacing walls with posters and graffiti in the run up to the students’ union polls. “There are reports of defacement of public properties, as posters are being pasted on public places. As per the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, it is a punishable act,” DS Rawat, DU faculty member and Chief Election Commissioner for DUSU polls said in a letter to the Police Commissioner.
Students of various unions have been defacing walls by putting up posters. However, nothing is being done because all the unions use tricks to not come under the scanner by the lyngdoh Committee. The Pioneer had also reported this issue on August 21. According to Rawat, since police have not filed a single case against individuals or groups, defacement of public property has been increasing by the day. “Strict legal action could act as a deterrent and will help us conduct DUSU polls as per rules,” he said.
Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections are scheduled for September 12 and the students’ wings of various political parties have intensified their campaign.
“As per the lyngdoh Committee rules, the candidates cannot post any printed poster and the Defacement Act does not permit them to paste posters on walls. The rules are being openly flouted. But since the defacement matter comes under the purview of Delhi Police, the varsity cannot do anything about it,” Rawat said.
“We have had a couple of meetings with Delhi Police officials and we will take strict action against those who will be found defaulters by the police,” he added.