KANNUR UNIVERSITY

BYE-LAWS OF THE AFFILIATED COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

CAMPUS STUDENTS’ UNION
INCORPORATING THE LYNGDOH COMMITTEE RECOMMENTATIONS
APPROVED BY THE HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA AND AS
PER G.O (MS)No.149/06/H.Edn. Dept. Dtd. 14-11-2006.
1. The College/Campus Students’ Union
Every College affiliated to the Kannur University /University Campus
shall have a College/Campus Students’ Union called the………………
(Name of the College/Campus) ……..College/Campus Students’ Union
elected by a system of direct election of the office bearers of the
student body wherein all students of all colleges as well as all the
students of the University Departments/Campuses vote directly for the
office bearers.
2. The objectives of the Union
The objectives of the Union shall be:
a) to train the students of the College/Campus in the
duties, responsibilities and rights of citizenship,
b) to promote opportunities for the development of
character leadership, efficiency, knowledge and spirit of
service among the students.
c) to organize debates, seminars, work squads, tours and
similar other activities.
d) to encourage sports, arts and other cultural, educational
and recreational activities that are incidental and
conducive to the above objects.
e) to work for the general welfare of the student
community.
3. The College/Campus Union fund
Every College/Campus shall institute a fund called (name of the
College/Campus) Union Fund. It shall collect the prescribed fees from
the members towards Union activities along with the first installment of
the tuition fees at the beginning of each academic year and shall credit
the same to the Union Fund. Fund of the Union shall be kept in the
P.D.Account of the Principal/ Director/Coordinator of the Campus or
deposited in an approved bank and the accounts shall be operated by
the Principal, who is the Ex-officio President of the Union.
4. The members of the College/ Campus Union
a) All students of the College/Campus shall Ipso facto be ordinary
members of the Union and shall have the right to vote and
contest the elections of the Union, provided they are not
disqualified on the basis of Lyngdoh Committee
Recommendations (Annexure A) or otherwise
b) No student of the final year class of any course of the college
shall be eligible to contest the election for the post of the
Student Editor of the College Magazine.
c) Every ordinary member of the union can become a member of
the other associations, according to his/her main/optional
subject.
d) Every ordinary member shall pay the prescribed fee towards the
College/Campus Union Fund, the University Union fund, the fee

1
 for Magazine and other associations. The fees shall be paid
with the first installment of fees every academic year.

5. The Term of the Union

The term of the Union shall generally be the academic year during
which the Union assumes office or till the date of elections to the
union in the subsequent year. However, a member or an office-
bearer will cease to be so if he/she ceases to be a student of the
College/Campus. However; this will not apply to the University
Union Councilors, who will be governed by the Constitution of the
University Union.
6. The Union Council
a) The Union shall have a Union Council comprising\ the following
office-bearers.
i) The President of the Union (The Principal of the
College/Director/ Co-Ordinator of the Campus -
Ex-officio)
ii) The Chairman
iii) The Vice-Chairman
iv) The Secretary
v) The Joint Secretary
vi) The Councillor/Councillors to the University Union
vii) The Secretary, Fine Arts
viii) The Chief Student Editor of the College Magazine
ix) The General Captain of Sports and Games
x) The Staff-Advisor nominated by the President in
consultation with Executive Committee
xi) The Secretaries of the Various Associations.
xii) One representative each of I D.C. II D.C and III
D.C. In professional colleges one representative
for every class (Year–wise) i.e. one for First Year
Class, one for Second Year Class etc.
xiii) One representative for all P.G. Students.
b) The offices of the Vice-Chairman and Joint Secretary in mixed
colleges shall be reserved for lady students.
c) The number of University Union Councilors shall be one in
colleges having student strength up to 800 and two in colleges
where the student strength is more than 800.
d) The Officers ii to ix given in sub-section (a) above shall be
filled by election by all students of the College and the offices
xi to xiii by-election by the students of the particular
association or class as the case may be.
7. The Union Executive Committee
a) There shall be an executive committee for the Union with the
following office bearers:
i) The President of the Union
ii) The Chairman
iii) The Vice-Chairman
iv) The Secretary
v) The Joint Secretary
vi) The University Union Councillor / Councillors.
vii) The Student Editor
viii) The Secretary Fine Arts
ix) The General Captain for Sports & Games.
2
 x) Three members elected by the Union Council
from among themselves except in Training
Colleges.
xi) The Staff advisor.

b) The Secretary of the Union shall act as the Secretary of the

Union Executive Committee.

8. The Elections to the College/Campus Union Council

a) The elections to the College/Campus Union Council shall be

held in all the colleges including professional colleges /the
Campuses under the University on a day fixed by the Vice-
Chancellor. If, however, the election in any college could not be
conducted on that day, it can be conducted on a some other day
with the permission of the Vice-Chancellor.

b) The elections shall be held by secret ballot on the principle of

each member having one single non-transferable vote for one
post without postal ballot according to the rules framed by the
Syndicate of the University from time to time.

9. The Primary duties of the members of the union Executive

Committee

a) The Chairman shall ordinarily preside over all the meetings of

the Union Council and Executive Committee and shall guide the
activities of the Union.
b) The Vice-Chairman shall act as the Chairman in the absence of
the latter and assist the Chairman in the discharge of his
duties.
c) The Secretary shall issue notices of the meetings and functions
of the Union and keep the minutes of the meetings. He shall
take steps to carry out the decisions of the Union Council and
the Executive Committee and shall be the custodian of all the
records relating to the Union
d) The Joint Secretary will act as the Secretary in the absence of
the latter and shall assist the Secretary.
e) The Secretary, Fine Arts shall primarily be responsible for
promoting the artistic talents of the students and for this purpose
it shall be his duty to organize activities and function.
f) The Student Editor shall be responsible for the publication of
the College/Campus Annual with the help of the Magazine
Committee which shall consist of i) The Student Editor, ii) The
Chairman of the Union, iii) The Secretary of the Union, iv) The
Staff-advisor of the Union, v) The staff Editor to be nominated
by the President in consultation with the executive committee
and vi) Three members of the Union nominated by the Chief
Student Editor with the approval of the President.
g) The Concilor/Councillors to the University Union shall represent
the Union in the University Union.
h) The Principal/Director/Coordinator of the Campus will be the Ex-
officio President of the Union and shall have the authority to
suspend any or all activities of the Union, with the prior approval
of the Vice-Chancellor, if circumstances warrant such an action.
3
10. The Staff-Advisor
a) The Staff-Advisor shall be nominated by the President in
consultation with College/Campus Union Executive committee
from among the members of the teaching staff of the
College/Campus

b) Expenses for the Union activities shall be incurred only with the
previous sanction of the Union Executive Committee except on
occasions of emergency. The Staff-Advisor shall keep the
regular accounts of income and expenditure. Unspent balance,
if any, shall be carried over to the next year.

11. The Subject Associations

a) The College/Campus shall have one or more subject associations

besides the College/Campus Union according to the different
subject taught at the degree and/or post-graduate level as main
subject in which the membership shall be restricted to the students
studying that subject as the main subject.

b) Each subject association shall have a Secretary elected by and

from the members of the association at the degree and P.G.level.
The Secretary so elected shall organize the activities of the
Association. The Head of the Department concerned shall be the
ex-officio President of the Association.

12. The Union Council shall assume charge within ten days after the
election. It shall formulate the activities and prepare and pass the
annual budget. It shall also meet subsequently whenever necessary.

13.The Executive Committee shall be responsible for carrying out the

policy and programme decided by the Council. It shall meet as often
as is necessary for the effective discharge of its functions. It shall be
responsible for the administration of the Union funds and for submitting
the audited accounts of the Union at the end of the year.

14.The Executive committee shall also function as a consultative

committee to apprise the Principal/Director about students’ needs and
problems.

15.The Union Council and the Executive Committee shall take decisions
by simple majority. In case of the tie, the Chairman will have a casting
vote in addition to his normal vote. The quorum for the meeting shall be
one-third of the total members.

16. The Executive Committee may nominate.

a) A convener for organizing the Planning Forum and

b) A convener for organizing social service activities.
4
 17. Any amendment to these Bye-Laws shall be made by the Syndicate
of the University.

18. Any dispute or question arising with regard to the provisions contained
in these Bye-Laws be decided by the Vice-Chancellor in consultation
with the Syndicate and such decisions made by the Vice-Chancellor
shall be final.

19. Those Colleges/Campus which have not conducted the Union

elections as per the instructions of the University are not eligible to take
part in any of the University Union activities including the Arts Festivals.

20. College Union Executive Committee student members are eligible for
attendance for Union activities on the recommendation of the Staff
Advisor.

AFFILIATED COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY CAMPUS STUDENTS’ UNION

ELECTION RULES INCORPORATING THE LYNGDOH COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS
APPROVED BY THE HONORABLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA AND AS
PER G.O.(MS) No. 149/06/H.Edn. Dated 14.11.2006 OF
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA.
(Approved by the Syndicate as per resolution No.2007.504*of the meeting of the
Syndicate held on 03-10-2007)
I. The College Union Council comprises the following offices.
1. The President of the Union (Principal / Director/Co-Ordinator -Ex-Officio)
2. The Chairman.
3. The Vice-Chairman
4. The Secretary.
5. The Joint Secretary.
6. The Councillor/Councillors to the Kannur University Union of the College
Union.
7. The Secretary, Fine Arts.
8. The Student Editor of the College/Campus Magazine.
9. The General Captain (Sports & Games)
10. The Staff Advisor nominated by the President in consultation with
the Union (with no vote)
11. The Secretary of each of the various main Subject Associations
12. One representative each of I D.C., II D.C., III D.C., (For professional
colleges,
one representative for each year) elected by the students of the
respective
classes and one representative elected by all the P.G. students.

II. The Vice-Chairmanship and the Joint Secretaryship in mixed

colleges/campus shall be reserved for ladies. If girl students are not willing
to contest the election to these reserved offices shall be kept vacant. The
number of councilors shall be only one in colleges having strength of less
than 800 and shall be two where the strength is 800 and above. Offices 2 to
9 shall be filled by election by all the students of the college and offices (11)
& (12) by the students of the respective associations/class. The election
procedure for all the seats shall be the same.

III. The Union Executive Committee comprises the following Offices:

5
 1. The President of the Union
2. The Chairman
3. The Vice-Chairman
4. The Secretary
5. The Joint Secretary.
6. The Councillor/Councillors to the Kannur University Union
7. The Secretary, Fine Arts
8. The Student Editor of the College/Campus Magazine
9. The General Captain (Sports & Games)
10. Three members elected by the Union Council from among
themselves
(Except in Training Colleges/Campus)
11.The Staff Advisor
IV. The Union Secretary shall act as the Secretary of Executive Committee. In
Training Colleges/Campus the Union Council shall be the Executive
Committee.

V. Except as otherwise exempted by the University, the conduct of all

elections in the Colleges affiliated to the University /Campus shall be
held as provided hereunder.

V(1) The Returning Officer.

The Principal of the College Director/Co-ordinator of the Campus or a senior

member of the Staff appointed by the Principa/Directorl and intimated to the
University in time shall be the Returning Officer for all Union elections held
in the College/Campus. He may appoint the required number of Staff to
assist him in the conduct of election. (It shall be the responsibility of the
Principal/Director to take all precautionary measures to ensure the peaceful
conduct of election)

V.(2) The Election Notification

a) The entire election process commencing from the date of filing of

nomination to the declaration of election results including the campaign
period should not exceed 10 days. The notification shall contain:
The date of notification
Publication of Preliminary electoral roll
Last date for filling objection/deletion/addition in to the electoral roll
Publication of final electoral roll
Last date and time of receipt of nominations
Date and hour of scrutiny of nomination
Publication of list of candidates validly nominated
Last date and hour for withdrawal of candidature
Date of publication of the final list of candidates
Date and hour fixed for the poll
Date and hour of counting of votes and
Date and time of the declaration of results.
6
 b) The Returning Officer shall under the general direction from the University
issue the election notification a0nd displays the same on the notice board.
The notification shall contain the schedule of election as detailed above.
Individual institutions may make changes in the schedule if necessary,
except for the date of notification and the date and hours fixed for the poll.

V (3) The Electoral Rolls

a) The Returning Officer shall maintain electoral rolls showing the names of
students qualified to vote there at, serially numbered with details of their
class, group, subject etc. Copies of the electoral rolls shall be made
available to the students in the office of the Returning Officer.

b)The Returning Officer shall make any correction, alteration or deletion in

the rolls provided the requisition for the same is received by him within
twenty four hours of the publication of the rolls and further he is satisfied that
the correction, alteration or deletion is justifiable. The Returning Officer may
also include the name of any student inadvertently omitted from the original
electoral rolls. The corrected final electoral roll shall be published on the
notice board.
V (4) The Nomination of Candidates

a) Every elector shall be at liberty to nominate a qualified student for the

election. Every nomination shall be in the prescribed form (specimen form
Annexure ‘B’) and shall be made by an elector in writing and shall be
proposed and seconded by an elector each.

Every such nomination shall be accompanied by :

1) a consent in writing of the nominee agreeing to serve on the body if

elected,
2) a declaration in respect of the satisfaction of conditions set for
qualification for candidature in the Lyngdoh Committee Recommendations

Both the consent and the declaration shall be signed in the presence of the
Returning Officer after the proper identification of the candidate.

b) Each nomination for the posts (2) to (9) of clause I should be

accompanied by a security deposit of Rs.100 (Rupees One Hundred only).
The nomination paper should be handed over to the Returning Officer or the
person authorized by him in his office, within the date and hour fixed for the
purpose. The Returning Officer shall give a receipt for every nomination
received by him. If any candidate gives more than one nomination for the
same post, only Rs.100/- be received from him/her as the security deposit.
The security deposit will be returned to the candidate if (1) the nomination is
with drawn as per rules in V (7) and/or (2) if the candidate gets at least 20%
of the total number of votes polled for the post for which he/she contests.
Security deposits forfeited by the candidates shall be credited to the
College/Campus Union Fund.

c) No person shall propose or second more than one person for the same
post. A person who has proposed another person for a post shall not

7
 second a third person for the same post. A candidate nominated for a post
shall not propose or second another person for the same post.

V (5) The Scrutiny of Nominations

i) All nomination papers shall be scrutinized by the Returning Officer at the

hour on the date prescribed. The candidate or his authorized agent from
among the electors alone will be permitted to be present at the time of
scrutiny of nominations.

ii) The Returning Officer shall examine the nomination papers and may
reject any nomination paper either on his own motion or on valid
objection. The decision of the Returning Officer shall in each case be
endorsed by him on the nomination paper in respect of which such
decision is given.

V (6) The Publication of the list of valid nominations

A list of candidates (with their names, class, subject, group etc.) whose
nominations have been declared valid shall be published by the Returning
officer affixing the same on the notice board.

V(7) The Withdrawal of the candidature:

Any candidate may withdraw his/her candidature by notice in writing signed

by him/her and delivered in person to the Returning Officer so as to be
received by him within the date and hour fixed for the same. Withdrawal
once made shall be final.

V(8) The Publication of the Final list of Candidates:

The Returning Officer shall publish after the expiry of time fixed for
withdrawal of candidature, a final list of candidates validly nominated
showing the names arranged in alphabetical order together with their class,
group and subject.

V (9) The Declaration of election of candidates:

i) If the number of candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies to

be filled by election, such candidates shall be declared to have been
elected unopposed.

ii) If the number of candidates is less than the number of vacancies to be

filled by election, the electorate shall elect a person(s), as the case may
be, to fill the remaining vacancy(ies) on the direction of the Vice
Chancellor on some other day.

iii) If the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled

by election, the Returning Officer shall proceed with the election in the
manner prescribed.

8
V (10) The Voting
The Voting shall be by secret ballot. No vote shall be given by proxi
For the smooth conduct of the election the following shall be observed:
i) Sufficient number of Polling booths shall be arranged. There shall
be Presiding and Polling Officers attached to each booth.
ii) The ballot box sealed or locked (In the presence of the candidates
or their agents if so requested by them) shall be placed at a
convenient place with arrangements for exercising the franchise by
the electors
iii) The Presiding Officer shall ascertain:
(a) the identity of the elector before issue of the ballot paper and
(b) that the person desiring to vote has not already voted.
iv) The name of the person shall be entered upon the serially
numbered counterfoil of the ballot paper (for specimen see
Annexure ‘C’) in a ballot paper book. The ballot paper
corresponding to that counterfoil shall then be detached after
affixing the signature of the Presiding Officer thereon and
handed over to the voter.
v) At the time of issuing the ballot paper, the Polling or Presiding
Officer shall make sure that the ballot papers bear the facsimile
of the Returning Officer and tick mark against the name of the
elector in a copy of the electoral roll kept for the purpose and get
the signature of the elector on the electoral roll.
vi) The elector who has received the ballot paper shall then proceed to
the voting compartment erected providing for secrecy, for marking
the vote, record his vote in the ballot paper in the manner
prescribed-i.e. by affixing the rubber seal bearing ‘X’ mark against
the name of the candidate, in the column provided for that and then
proceed to the place where the ballot box is placed and deposit the
same in the ballot box.
vii) No elector shall be allowed to enter the place arranged for marking
the vote when another elector is there and no elector shall remain
there longer than is necessary for recording his/her vote.
viii) If an elector is incapacitated from blindness or other physical
problems he or she can arrange a companion in the voters list to
cast his/her vote in his /her presence.
ix) The Presiding Officer shall properly seal the ballot box immediately
after the polling (but not earlier than the completion of the period for
voting) and hand over the same to the Returning officer. The
Returning Officer shall keep the same in safe custody.

V(11) The Procedure of Counting

i) The ballot box shall be opened and scrutiny and counting of votes
shall be held at the scheduled time in the presence of the
Returning Officer by the counting officers appointed by him from
among the staff
ii) No person shall be present at the counting station except the
Returning Officer and the counting officers and the candidates
concerned, The candidates, in case they are unable to be present
for the counting, may nominate (in writing) a representative from
among the voters to act on their behalf at the time of counting.

9
(12) The validity of vote
1 The vote shall be invalid and rejected if :
i) it does not bear facsimile of the Returning Officer and the
signature of the Presiding Officer ; or
ii) a voter signs his name or writes any word or makes any mark on it
by which it becomes recognizable ; or
iii) the vote is recorded thereon by any mark other than the one (X)
made using the seal provided for voting or
iv) no vote is recorded thereon; or
v) the number of vote recorded thereon exceeds the number of
vacancies to be filled; or
vi) uncertain with regard to intention, or
vii) the vote is recorded outside the column provided for that purpose;
or
viii) it violates any other law
2. The votes declared invalid shall be endorsed by the Returning Officer
and kept separately.

V (13) The Recounting

i)Any candidate (or his agent) may, immediately after completion of
the counting, request (in writing) the Returning Officer to recount the
votes polled for the post and the Returning Officer shall re-examine
and recount the same accordingly.
ii) The Returning Officer may at his own discretion recount the votes
either once or more than once when he is not satisfied as to the
accuracy of any previous counting.
iii) Provided however that nothing in these rules shall make it
obligatory on the Returning Officer to recount the same votes more
than once.
VI Annexure A -- The Lyngdoh committee recommendations approved by the
Honorable Supreme Court of India.
Annexure B -- Nomination paper
Annexure C -- Ballot paper

---------------------

10
 Annexure - A
Lyngdoh Committee Recommendations
Approved by the Honorable Supreme Court of India

6.1.1. Universities and colleges across the country must ordinarily conduct
elections for the appointment of students to student representative bodies. These
elections may be conducted in the manner prescribed herein, or in a manner that conforms
to the standards prescribed herein.

6.1.2. Where the atmosphere of the university campus is adverse to the conduct of
peaceful, free and fair elections, the university, its constituent colleges and departments
must initiate a system of student representation based on nominations, especially where
elections are being held at present. It would be advisable, however, not to base such
nomination system on purely academic merit, as is being practiced throughout the
country.

6.1.3. In cases where elections are not being held, or where the nomination model
prevails, the nomination model should be allowed to continue for a limited period of time.
It is to be noted that the nomination system suffers from several flaws, and must only be
restored to as an INTERIM MEASURE.

6.1.4. Subject to the recommendations in respect of the possible model of

elections, all institutions must over a period of 5 years, convert from the nomination
model to a structured election model, that may be based on a system of parliamentary
(indirect) elections, or on the presidential (direct) system, or a hybrid of both. It is highly
desirable that all institutions follow this mechanism of gradual conversion, especially for
privately funded institutions that prefer a status quo situation.

6.1.5. All institutions must conduct a review of the student representation

mechanism. The first review may be conducted after a period of 2 years of the
implementation of the mechanism detailed above, and the second review may be
conducted after the 3 rd or the 4th year of implementation. The primary objective of these
reviews will be to ascertain the success of the representation and election mechanism in
each individual institution, so as to decide whether or not to implement a full-fledged
election structure. Needless to say these reviews will be based on a consideration of the
views and suggestions of all stakeholders, such as students, faculty, administration,
student bodies, and parents.

6.1.6. Institutions must, as a primary objective, subject to the pertinent issue of

discipline on campus, seek to implement a structured system of student elections by
conclusion of a period of 5 years from the date of the implementation of the
recommendations.

7. 6.1.7. Subject to the autonomy of the universities in respect of the choice of the
mode of election, all universities must institute an apex student representative body that
represents all students, colleges, and departments coming under the particular university.
In the event that the university is geographically widespread, individual colleges may
constitute their own representative bodies, which would further elect representatives for
the apex universities body.

8. 6.1.8. The union/representative body so elected shall only comprise of regular

students on the rolls of the institution. No faculty member, nor any member of the

11
administration shall be permitted to hold any post on the executive of such representative
body, nor shall be allowed to be a member of any such representative body.

6.2. Modes of Elections

6.2.1. A system of direct election of the office bearers of the student body, whereby all
students of all constituent colleges, as well as all students of university departments vote
directly for the office bearers. This model may be followed in smaller universities with
well-defined single campuses (for e.g. JNU/University of Hyderabad), and with a
relatively smaller student population. A graphic representation of this model is annexed
herewith at Annexure IV-A.

In respect of universities with large, widespread campuses and large student bodies either
of the following models may be adopted.

6.2.2. A system of elections, where colleges and campuses directly elect college and
campus office bearers, as well as university representatives. The university
representatives form an electoral college, which shall elect the university student union
office bearers. A graphic representation of this model is annexed herewith at Annexure-
IV-B.

6.2.3. A system of elections where on one hand, directly elected college and campus
office bearers, as well as university representatives. The university representatives form
an electoral college, which shall elect the university student union office bearers. A
graphic representation of this model is annexed herewith at Annexure IV-B.

6.2.3. A system of elections where on one hand, directly elected class representative
elected the office bearers of the college as well as the university representatives, and the
campus itself directly elects the campus officers bearers and the university
representatives. The University representatives shall form an electoral college, which
shall elect the office bearers of the university student union. A graphic representation of
this model is annexed herewith at annexure IV-C.

6.2.4. A system of election wherein class representatives shall be directly elected in the
colleges and universities campus and they in turn shall elect the office bearers for the
college unions and the university campus union. Also they shall elect their
representatives for university student union. These elected representative from colleges
and university campus shall form the electoral college, which shall elect the office bearers
of the university student union. This model shall be applicable to large university with
large number of affiliated colleges. A graphic representation of this model is annexed
herewith at Annexure IV-D.

6.3 Disassociation of Student Elections and Student Representation from Political

Parties.

6.3.1. During the period of the elections no person, who is not a student on the rolls of
the college/university, shall be permitted to take part in the election process in any
capacity. Any person, candidate, or member of the student organization, violating this
rule shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings, in addition to the candidature, as the case
may be being revoked.

6.4. Frequency and Duration of Election Process

12
6.4.1. It is recommended that the entire process of elections, commencing from the date
of filing of nomination papers to the date of declaration of results, including the campaign
period, should not exceed 10 days.

6.4.2. It is further recommended that elections be held on a yearly basis and that the
same should be held between 6 to 8 weeks from the date of commencement of the
academic session.

6.5. Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

6.5.1. Under graduate students between the ages of 17 and 22 may contest elections.
This age range may be appropriately relaxed in the case of professional colleges, where
courses often range between 4 to 5 years.

6.5.2 For Post Graduate Students the maximum age limit to legitimately contest and
election would be 24-25 years.

6.5.3 For research Students the maximum age limit to legitimately contest an election
would be 28 years.

6.5.4. Although, the Committee would refrain from prescribing any particular minimum
marks to be attained by candidate, the candidate should in no event have any academic
arrears in the year of contesting the election.

6.5.5. The candidate should have attained the minimum percentage of attendance as
prescribed by the university or 75% attendance, whichever is higher.

6.5.6. The candidate shall have one opportunity to contest for the post of office bearer,
and two opportunities to contest for the post of an executive member.

6.5.7. The candidate shall not have a previous criminal record, that is to say he should
not have been tried and/or convicted of any criminal offence or misdemeanor. The
candidate shall also not have been subject to any disciplinary action by the University
authorities.

6.5.8. The candidate must be a regular, full time student of the college/university and
should not be a distance/proximate education student. That is to say that all eligible
candidates must be enrolled in a full time course, the course duration being at lease one
year.

6.6. Election – Related Expenditure and Financial Accountability.

6.6.1. The maximum permitted expenditure per candidate shall be Rs.5000/-

6.6.2. Each candidate shall, within two weeks of the declaration of the result, submit
complete and audited accounts to the college/university authorities. The
college/university shall publish such audited accounts within 2 days of submission of
such accounts, through a suitable medium so that any member of the student body may
freely examine the same.

6.6.3. The election of the candidate will be nullified in the event of any non-compliance
or in the event of any excessive expenditure.

13
6.6.4. With the view to prevent the inflow of funds from political parties into the student
election process, the candidates are specially barred from utilizing funds from any other
sources than voluntary contributions from the student body.

6.7. Code of conduct for Candidates and Elections Administrators.

6.7.1. No candidate shall indulge in, nor shall abet, any activity, which may aggravate
existing differences or create mutual hatred or case tension between different castes and
communities, religious or linguistic, or between any group(s) of students.

6.7.2. Criticism of other candidates, when made, shall be confined to their policies and
programs, past record and work. Candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of
private life, not connected with the public activities of the other candidates or supporters
of such other candidates. Criticism of other candidates, or their supporters based on
unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.

6.7.3. There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Places
of worship, within or without the campus shall not be used for election propaganda.

6.7.4. All candidates shall be prohibited from indulging or abetting, all activities which
are considered to be “corrupt practices” and offences, such as, bribing of voters,
intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters canvassing or the use of propaganda
within 100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of 24
hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and
conveyance of voters to and from polling station.

6.7.5. No candidate shall be permitted to make use of printed posters, printed pamphlets,
or any other printed material for the purpose of canvassing. Candidates may only utilize
hand-made posters for the purpose of canvassing, provided that such hand-made posters
are procured within the expenditure limit set out herein above.
6.7.6. Candidates may only utilize hand-made posters at certain places in the campus,
which shall be notified in advance by the election commission/university authority.
6.7.7. No candidate shall be permitted to carry out processions, or public meetings, or in
any way canvass or distribute propaganda outside the university/college campus.

6.7.8. No candidate shall, nor shall his/her supporters, deface or cause any destruction to
any property of the university/college campus, for any purpose whatsoever, without the
prior written permission of the college/university authorities. All candidates shall be held
jointly and severally liable for any destruction/defacing of any university/college
property.

6.7.9. During the election period the candidates may hold processions and /or public
meetings, provided that such processions and/or public meetings do not, in any manner,
disturb the classes and other academic and co-curricular activities of the
college/university. Further, such procession/public meeting may not be held without the
period written permission of the college/university authority.

6.7.10. The use of loudspeakers, vehicles and animals for the purpose of canvassing shall
be prohibited.

6.7.11. On the day of polling, student organizations and candidates shall

14
(i) Co-operate with the officers on election duty to ensure peaceful and orderly polling
and complete freedom to the voters to exercise their franchise without being subjected to
any annoyance or obstruction:
(ii) not serve or distribute any eatables, or other solid and liquid consumables, except
water on polling day;
(iii) not hand out any propaganda on the polling day.

6.7.12. Excepting the voters, no one without a valid pass/letters of authority from the
election commission or from the college/university authorities shall enter the polling
booths.

6.7.13. The election commission/college/university authorities shall appoint impartial

observers. In the case of deemed universities and self-financed institutions, government
servants may be appointed as observers. If the candidates have any specific complaint or
problem regarding the conduct of the elections they may bring the same to the notice of
the observer. Observers shall also be appointed to oversee the process of nomination of
students in institutions that are following the nominations model of student
representation.
6.7.14. All candidates shall be jointly responsible for ensuring the cleaning up of the
polling area within 48 hours of the conclusion of polling.
6.7.15. Any contravention of any of the above recommendations may make the candidate
liable to be stripped of his candidature, or his elected post, as the case may be. The
election commission/college/university authorities may also take appropriate disciplinary
action against such a violator.
6.7.16. In addition to the above-mentioned code of conduct, it is also recommended that
certain provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Section 153-A and Chapter IX-A –
“Offences Relating to Election”), may also be made applicable to student elections.
6.8. Grievances Redressal Mechanism.

6.8.1. There should be a Grievances Redressal Cell with the Dean (Student Welfare) /
teacher in charge of student affairs as its chairman. In addition, one senior faculty
member, one senior administrative officer and two final year students – one boy and one
girl (till the election results declared, students can be nominated on the basis of merit
and/or participation in the co-curricular activities in the previous year). The grievance
cell shall be mandated with the redressal of election-related grievance, including, but not
limited to breaches of the code of conduct of elections and complaints relating to election-
related expenditure. This cell would be the regular unit of the institution.

6.8.2. In pursuit of its duties, the grievance cell may prosecute violators of any aspect of
the code of conduct or the rulings of the grievance cell. The grievance cell shall serve as
the court of original jurisdiction. The institutional head shall have appellate jurisdiction
over issues of law and fact in all cases or controversies arising out of the conduct of the
elections in which the grievance cell has issued a final decision. Upon review, the
institutional head may revoke or modify the sanctions imposed by the grievance cell.

6.8.3. In carrying out the duties of the office, the Grievance cell shall conduct
proceedings and hearing necessary to fulfill those duties. In executing those duties they
shall have the authority:

15
(i) to issue a writ of subpoena to compel candidates, agents, and workers and to request
students to appear and give testimony, as well as produce necessary records; and
(ii) to inspect the financial reports of any candidate and make these records available for
public scrutiny upon request.

6.8.4. Members of the Grievance cell are prohibited from filing complaints. Any other
student may file a complaint with the Grievance cell, within a period of 3 weeks from the
date of declaration of results. All complaints must be filed under the name of the student
filing the complaint. The Grievance cell shall act on all complaints within 24 hours after
they are received by either dismissing them or calling a hearing.

6.8.5. The Grievance cell may dismiss a complaint if

(i) The complaint was not filed within the time frame prescribed in Recommendation
8.4 above;
(ii) the complaint fails to state a cause of action for which relief may be granted.
(iii) the complainant has not and/or likely will not suffer injury or damage.

6.8.6. If a complaint is not dismissed, then a hearing must be held. The Grievance cell
shall inform, in writing, or via e-mail, the complaining party and individuals or groups
named in the complaint of the time and place of the hearing. The parties are not
considered notified until they have received a copy of the complaint.

6.8.7. The hearing shall be held at the earliest possible time, but not within twenty-four
(24) hours after receipt of the notice described above, unless all parties agree to waive the
24 hour time constraint.

6.8.8. At the time, notice of hearing is issued, the Grievance Cell, by majority vote, may
issue a temporary restraining order, if it determines that such action is necessary to
prevent undue or adverse effects on any individual or entity. Any restraining order, once
issued, will remain in effect until a decision of the Grievance Cell is announced after the
hearing or until rescinded by the Grievance Cell.

6.8.9. All Grievance Cell hearing, proceedings, and meetings must be open to the public.

6.8.10 All parties of the Grievance Cell hearing shall present themselves at the hearing
may be accompanied by any other student from which they can receive counsel, and have
the option to be represented by that counsel.

6.8.11. For any hearing, a majority of sitting Grievance Cell members must be in
attendance with the Chair of the Grievance Cell presiding. In the absence of the Chair,
the responsibility to preside shall fall to an Grievance Cell member designated by the
Chair.

6.8.12. The Grievance cell determine the format for the hearing, but must require that
both the complaining and responding parties appear physically before the board to discuss
the issues through a complaint, answered, rebuttal, and rejoinder format. The purpose of
the hearing is to gather the information necessary to make a decision, order, or ruling that
will resolve an election dispute. The effectuate this purpose; the following rules should
prevail at all hearings:

16
Complaining parties shall be allowed no more than two witnesses, however, the
Grievance cell may call witnesses as required. If said witnesses are unable to appear
at the hearing, signed affidavits may be submitted to the Grievance Cell Chair for the
purpose of testifying by proxy.
 All questions and discussions by the parties in dispute shall be directed to the
Grievance Cell.
 There shall be no direct or cross-examination of any party or witness by
complaining or responding parties during hearings.
 Reasonable time limits may be set by the Grievance Cell provided they give fare
and equal treatment to both sides.
 The complaining party shall bear the burden of proof.
 Decisions, orders and rulings of the Grievance Cell must be concurred to by a
majority of the Grievance Cell present and shall be announced as soon as possible
after the hearing. The Grievance cell shall issue a written opinion of the ruling
within 12 hours of announcement of the decision. The written opinion must set
forth the findings of fact by the Grievance Cell and the conclusions of law in
support of it. Written opinions shall set a precedent for a time period of three
election cycles for Grievance Cell ruling, and shall guide the Grievance Cell in its
proceedings. Upon consideration of prior written opinions, the grievance cell may
negate the decision, but must provide written documentation of reasons for doing
so.
 If the decision of the Grievance Cell is appealed to the institutional head, the
Grievance Cell must immediately submits its ruling to the commission

 The Grievance Cell shall select the remedy or sanction most appropriate to both
the type and severity of the infraction, as well as the stand of mind or intent of the
violator as determined by the Grievance Cell. Possible remedies and sanctions
include, but are not limited to, fines, suspension of campaigning privileges, and
disqualification from the election.
 Any fine or total account of fines against a candidate in an election cycle may not
exceed the spending limit as defined herein above.
 If, after a hearing, the Grievance Cell finds that provisions of this Code were
violated by a candidate, or a candidate’s agent or workers, the Grievance Cell may
restrict the candidate, or the candidates agents or workers, from engaging in some
or all campaign activities for some or all of the remainder of the campaign. If an
order is issued covering only part of the remaining period, it shall take effect
immediately so that after its termination, the candidate will have an opportunity to
resume campaigning during the days immediately prior to and including the
election days.
 If, after a hearing, the Grievance Cell finds that provisions f either this Code or
decisions, opinions, orders, or ruling of the Grievance Cell have been willfully
and blatantly violated by a candidate, or a candidate’s agents or workers, the
Grievance Cell may disqualify the candidate.
 Any party adversely affected by a decision of the Grievance Cell may fine an
appeal with the institutional head within twenty four (24) hours after the adverse
decision is announced. The institutional head shall have discretionary appellate
jurisdiction over the Grievance Cell in all cases in which error on the part of the
Grievance Cell is changed.
 The decision of the Grievance cell shall stand and shall have full effect until the
appeal is head and decided by the institutional heard.
 The institutional head shall hear appeals of Grievance Cell rulings as soon as
possible, but not within twenty four (24) hours after the Grievance cell delivers to
the Appellant and the institutional head a copy of its written opinion in the case.

17
 Appeal may be heard prior to this time, but only if the Appellant waives the right
to a written opinion and the institutional head agrees to accept the waver.
 The institutional head can issue suitable orders to suspend or halt the operation of
the ruling issued by the Grievance Cell until the appeals are decided.
 The institutional head shall review findings of the Grievance cell when appealed.
The institutional head may affirm or overturn the decision of the Grievance cell,
or modify the sanctions imposed.

6.9. Maintaining Law and Order on the Campus during the Election Process.

6.9.1. Any instance of acute lawlessness or the commission of a criminal offence shall
be reported to the police by the university/college authorities as soon as possible, but not
later than 12 hours after the alleged commission of the offence.

6.10. Miscellaneous Recommendations

6.10.1. Student representation is essential to the overall development of students, and,

therefore, it is recommended that university statutes should expressly provide for student
representation.

6.10.2. Student representation should be regulated by statute (either a Central Statute,

State Statute or individual university statutes), incorporating the recommendations
prescribed herein.

6.10.3. The institution should organize leadership-training programs with the help of
professional organizations so as to groom and instill in students leadership qualities.

6.10.4. In the event of the office of any major post of office bearers falling vacant within
two months of elections, re-elections should be conducted; otherwise the Vice President
may be promoted to be post of President and Joint Secretary to the post of Secretary, as
the case may be.”

We, however, direct modifications in paragraphs 6.6.2 and 6.9.1.

The expression “and audited accounts” in paragraph 6.6.2. shall be substituted by the
words “and certified accounts” (to be certified by the candidate). Similarly, the period of
“12 hours” indicated in paragraph 6.9.1. i.e. “12 hours” shall be substituted by the words
“6 hours”.

-----------------------------------------

18
 Annexure -B
NOMINATION PAPER
Post for which nomination is made :

Name of the Candidate :

Date of birth of the Candidate :

Class and subject of the Candidate :

Number of the Candidate in the Electoral roll :

Name of the Proposer :

Class and subject of the Proposer :

Number of the Proposer in the Electoral roll :

Name and Signature of the Proposer

Date:

Name of the Seconder :

Class and subject of the Seconder :

Number of the Seconder in the Electoral roll :

Name and Signature of the Seconder

Date:

Declaration by the Candidate

I do hereby declare that:

1. I, if elected, will serve on the body to which I am proposed as a candidate

2. I have no academic arrears
3. I have attained 75% attendance so far during the academic year
4. I have no previous criminal records and/or have not been convicted of any
criminal offence or misdemeanor.
5. I have not been subjected to any disciplinary action by the University

Name and Signature of the Candidate

Date:

(To be signed in front of the Returning Officer)

19
 KANNUR UNIVERSITY
Election to Kannur University Union 20..-..
NOMINATION PAPER

Post for which nomination is made :

Name & permanent address of the Candidate :

College,Class and subject of the Candidate :

Number of the Candidate in the final Electoral roll:

Name of the Proposer :

College,Class and subject of the Proposer :

Number of the Proposer in the final Electoral roll:

Name and Signature of the Proposer

Date:

Name of the Seconder :

College,Class and subject of the Seconder :

Number of the Seconder in the final Electoral roll:

Name and Signature of the Seconder

Date:
Consent of the Candidate :I agree if elected, to serve on the body
to which I am proposed as a candidate

Name and Signature of the Candidate

Date:

(Contesting candidate should sign in the presence of the Returning Officer).

20
Sl. No.. Sl. No.
Name of College…………… Name of College……………
Year of Election……… Year of Election………
Election to………………. Election to……………….

BALLOT PAPER

Signature of the Presiding Officer……………….

Sl. Name, Class, Subject of Column for marking

No. Candidates vote
Name of Voter

Class of Voter

No. of the Voter

in the Electoral Roll:

(Facsimile of the Returning Officer should be affixed overleaf)

21
………………………… Election 200

Form for Withdrawal of Candidate

I, ……………………………………………………… of

……............................................ …… hereby withdraw my candidature for the office of

……………………………………………………..………………………..........................

.....

……………………. Union.

Signature of Candidate

Place:

Date:

(To be signed in front of the Returning Officer)

Signature of the Returning Officer

With date

22