The All India Students’ Association (AISA) on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court against the Delhi University’s requirement for candidates to submit an indemnity affidavit and parental surety bond of ₹1 lakh to contest the university’s students’ union (DUSU) election scheduled for September 18.
The DUSU Election Committee has circulated an affidavit for 2026-27 elections, which requires the candidates to declare that their parents are aware that they are contesting the election. It also requires parents or guardians to stand as surety for payment of ₹1 lakh in case of any infringement or violation of guidelines, notifications, orders, or judgments.
AISA activists Ananya Raturi and Akshat Shikhar have filed a petition in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. AISA said in a statement, “Students who come to the university are autonomous adults who, if they so choose, can contest for office without the need of any consent from any authority whatsoever. The affidavit also very ignorantly assumes that it is only the parents who sponsor education for students.”
The organisation alleged that the requirement could prevent women and those financially dependent on their families from contesting the polls.
DUSU Chief Election Officer, Raj Kishore Sharma said that the provision of ₹ 1 lakh bond was in place during the last year’s elections as well.
Last year, students had protested against the requirement of the bond, saying that it disqualifies candidates who might not have ₹1 lakh in their account. The university had issued a notification requiring an upfront monetary deposit or bond but later clarified that it was only an indemnity affidavit.
On Wednesday, Mr. Sharma said that the bond requires the signature of the candidate and details of guardians, adding that in case details of parents are not available, a candidate can provide the details of a friend, and students do not need ₹1 lakh in their account in order to contest.
Published – September 03, 2026 01:12 am IST
