NGT tells Delhi University to keep DUSU polls paper-free

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Delhi University to ensure that no paper in the form of posters, pamphlets used for camapigning on campuses are wasted during the DUSU elections due in September. The tribunal has also directed the colleges to enforce the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and take steps towards paperless canvassing/campaigning during the elections.The court has given DU two months time to introduce an environment-friendly mode of campaigning within the stipulated time period.
The order of July 18, 2016 came up for hearing after a petition was moved last year during the DU Students’ Union polls for a paperless canvassing and environment friendly modes of campaigning.
In 2015, a first-year law student of DU, Nithin Chandran, was appalled to see the wastage of paper during the election season and filed a petition seeking an alternative and environment-friendly modes of campaigning and canvassing during the DUSU elections.
While passing the order NGT observed that “It is true that the abuse of paper finally adds to the pollution load...” and highlighted that relevant part of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations passed by the Supreme Court should be implemented in all universities/ colleges/ institutions elections.
The order stated that “Only allow candidates contesting elections or their pre-notified student agents to utilise handmade posters at certain notified places, not exceeding two on each campus; shall strictly enforce the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and for that purpose frame rules or incorporate provisions even to the extent of disqualifying the concerned contestants- for implementation of the said recommendations including these directions shall take steps to move towards paperless canvassing/ campaigning in student elections in the manner aforesaid in accordance with law within two months.”
Commenting on the photographs annexed to the application, the NGT observed that “A massive abuse of paper pamphlets/ posters giving ugly look to campus premises floor, walls and furniture is evident from the photographs. It is for these reasons that we were prompted to grant ex-parte interim relief restraining the respondent no. 5 - DUSU from pasting pamphlet etc. on the walls in the DU campus as well as on the public streets vide order dated September 16, 2015. This ugly display of student power warrants some added measure to the recommendations made by the Lyngdoh Commission.”