Delhi High Court Directs Re-evaluation of Attendance for Student's Election Nomination

Petitioner's Nomination for Student Union President Under Scrutiny Due to Attendance Discrepancies at Satyawati College

News Report: In a significant judgment delivered by the Delhi High Court on September 16, 2025, Justice Mini Pushkarna addressed the issue of attendance discrepancies affecting a student's eligibility to contest in the Satyawati College Student Union elections. The writ petition was filed by Muskan, a third-year B.A. (Programme) student, challenging the rejection of her nomination due to alleged shortfall in attendance below the prescribed 75% criterion set by the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

Muskan's counsel argued that despite her regular attendance, administrative errors led to incorrect recordings under multiple roll numbers, resulting in an artificially low attendance record. The court acknowledged these concerns and ordered the Grievance Committee to conduct a re-evaluation of Muskan's attendance records with her presence, allowing her the opportunity to present evidence to substantiate her claims.

The college, represented by its counsel, maintained that Muskan's attendance was recorded at approximately 45%, falling short of the necessary threshold for election candidacy. However, the court emphasized the need for a fair hearing and directed the Grievance Committee, comprising five Assistant Professors, to reassess the attendance in Muskan's presence.

Justice Pushkarna stipulated that if Muskan's attendance met the 75% requirement upon re-evaluation, her nomination for the post of President would be accepted, and she could proceed with her election campaign under extraordinary circumstances until 9:00 PM on the same day. Conversely, if the attendance remained below the threshold, the nomination would stand rejected.

This judgment underscores the importance of fair procedure and transparency in student elections, ensuring candidates are not unfairly disadvantaged due to administrative lapses. The court's intervention provides a crucial opportunity for Muskan to rectify and verify her attendance records, potentially allowing her to participate in the democratic process at the college.

Bottom Line:

A student’s nomination for elections can be rejected if the attendance is below the minimum 75% criteria, as per the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee. However, the student must be granted a fair opportunity to present evidence of attendance before the Grievance Committee, which is required to re-evaluate the attendance in the student’s presence. 

Statutory provision(s): Lyngdoh Committee Recommendations

Muskan v. Satyawati College, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2779424