HC gives nod for MU's student council elections

The Bombay High Court today gave a go-ahead to Mumbai University's student council elections to be held on January 15 and refused to grant relief to an advocate seeking a stay on the polls on ground of alleged gross violation in election process.
A division bench of Justices S J Vazifdar and G S Patel was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Manoj Tekade alleging gross violation in the poll process and political influence.
According to the petition, several candidates were allegedly threatened by members of political parties and despite having complained to the vice-chancellor of the university no steps have been taken.

Asked by the bench if political parties were allowed to enter the university premises during elections, advocate Rui Rodrigues, appearing for the university, told the court that though no restrictions are put on anyone from entering the premises and adequate security measures are taken during elections.
The bench accepted the statement and said "we will post this petition for hearing on January 16. Let's see what happens on January 15."
The president and secretary of the council will be elected on January 15.

Tekade had in his petition alleged the entire election is mired in controversy with influence from political parties.

"The Mumbai University has not only flouted the norms but has also failed to keep the representatives of the political parties at bay from the said elections. Under the Maharashtra Universities Act, the elections have to be announced soon after the commencement of the academic year. However, the elections of 2013-14 have been declared only in October, 2013," the petition states.
The petition has sought a direction to constitute a committee to look into the allegations and complaints raised by the representatives and take appropriate action against the political representatives involved.