Justice Sameer Jain delivered the verdict Tuesday, disposing of petitions seeking restoration of elections suspended for years.
The bench directed the state government to develop a clear policy on student unions and form a committee involving all stakeholders—students, administrators, and officials—for consultations by January 19, 2026.
If elections remain deferred, authorities must justify with "strong and valid reasons," the court ruled.
Petitioners argued elections enable vital representation, citing Supreme Court precedents. The government highlighted disruptions from National Education Policy implementation and missed Lingdoh Committee deadlines requiring polls within eight weeks of session start.
Student leader Neeraj Khinchad expressed satisfaction. "The committee formation is a positive step toward dialogue."
The court also prohibited using campuses for general election duties, noting past academic interruptions.
Suspended amid violence concerns, unions have long shaped Rajasthan's political landscape.
Leaders from various groups welcomed the directive, viewing it as progress toward balanced campus democracy.
The committee's input could redefine future elections, ensuring representation without compromising studies.
