The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to clarify its stance on conducting student union elections across universities in the state. The court emphasized that these elections are statutorily mandated and should be held at regular intervals to uphold democratic principles in educational institutions.
A division bench consisting of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice C. Chatterjee (Das) made these observations while hearing a plea regarding the non-conduct of student elections at Jadavpur University. The petitioner contended that, under Rule 3 of the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Act, student elections are required to be conducted every two years. However, these elections have not taken place for an extended period, leading to unrest among students.
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The petitioner further submitted that each time the elections were due, they were postponed citing law and order issues. The absence of these elections, the court observed, had resulted in growing dissatisfaction and disruption among the student community.
“Elections are not conducted, and it is causing unrest among the students,” the court remarked, acknowledging the significance of these polls in maintaining a democratic atmosphere within educational institutions.
In response, the counsel representing the state informed the court that the absence of permanent vice chancellors in many universities had made it difficult to facilitate the election process. Additionally, the existing rules, which mandate the nomination of the president and treasurer, are in direct conflict with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, which had been accepted by the Supreme Court. The counsel sought time to amend the rules governing student elections to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory guidelines.
Recognizing the prolonged delay in conducting these elections, the court directed the state to submit an affidavit outlining a clear roadmap for holding student elections in universities across West Bengal.
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“It has been almost two decades since student council elections were held in the state. We require a clear stand to be taken by the state as to how they propose to proceed and comply with the mandate under the rules. The authority cannot keep postponing the elections,” the court stated.
The case, titled Abahelito Students Alliance (ASA) and Ors vs. State of West Bengal and Ors, was registered under Case No. WPA(P)/81/2025.
The High Court's directive underscores the importance of student representation in university governance and the necessity for the state government to take decisive action to conduct student elections without further delay. The court’s intervention highlights the pressing need for adherence to statutory obligations and democratic principles in higher education institutions.
