SC allows JNU student union polls

Writing the order,Justice Ganguly said there was no point in keeping the JNU elections on hold. The court noted that the larger question of whether a court can validly direct the implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee report rather than referring it to the legislature for passing a proper law,has already been referred to a constitution bench in 2009.

“Since the constitutional question involved in the matter has been referred to a larger bench,the resolution of that question may take more time,” the court said.

Giving the go-ahead,the bench increased the age limit for candidates from 28 to 30 years and also waived off the mandatory 75 per cent attendance as an eligibility condition.

The SC said Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations for not using more than 5,000 leaflets would continue for the JNU students’ union elections.

The apex court had in October 2008 issued contempt notices to JNU Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for their failure to comply with the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations.

The Supreme Court had appointed the panel,headed by former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh,to remove criminality and money power from student politics.

The panel had submitted its recommendations in September 2006.