Delhi University warns strict action against defacement

New Delhi: Officials said that Delhi University has decided to take harsh measures against anyone who defaces the walls on the campus, including demanding compensation or asking the perpetrators to paint the walls themselves. As a result, hanging posters on the walls inside the campus may now prove expensive.

Despite the institution having "democracy walls"—designated areas supplied by the administration for campaign materials—posters, mainly "vote for" ones, are common around the campus, according to officials.

They claimed that the issue gets worse when parties attempt to cover the entire wall with posters during the Delhi University Student Union elections.

DU Proctor Rajni Abbi emphasized that "certain elements" are "defacing" the campus walls in a notice that was published on Thursday.

She issued a warning that anyone who discovered posters or names painted or taped to the walls will face harsh punishment.

The official emphasized that wall defacing is occurring at a time when improvements are being made to the university's aesthetics.

'...This is the centenary year of the University of Delhi and we are celebrating it. You must have all seen the recent development taking place in the University like the construction of roads, pavements, and whitewashing of boundary walls.

We want our university to look beautiful. But there are certain elements which are defacing the walls of this University,' the notification read.

Ms. Abbi noted that the defacement of walls is against the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 and Section 397 of the MCD Act.

'Strict action will be taken against all whose posters and names are found pasted or painted on the walls. They may even have to pay compensation or get the walls painted again,' the notification added.

Abbi said that a thorough investigation would be conducted before holding the actual culprits accountable when asked how the varsity would ensure they were punished.

When questioned about candidates misspelling their names on campaign posters to avoid penalty, Ms. Abbi responded, "We'll use the appropriate probe. They will discover their nomination and find them."