Delhi High Court stays JNU termination of Congress MP Akoijam
The court suspended the dismissal of professor and MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following sexual harassment allegations by students.
The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the decision by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to terminate the services of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Justice Anup J Bhambhani issued a notice to the university regarding the petition filed by Akoijam and has scheduled the matter for a hearing in January, according to The New Indian Express.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha, served as a professor at the JNU School of Social Sciences. The university dismissed him on October 9 after an Internal Committee (IC) inquiry into complaints made by at least 11 female students in May.
The complainants alleged that the professor used meetings or gatherings as an excuse to invite students to his campus home to attempt sexual harassment. Some students also claimed he made sexually inappropriate and obscene remarks during his classes.
The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, stated that the dismissal followed due process and the committee's findings. Documents submitted to Delhi Police described a pattern of unwelcome physical contact and sexually suggestive conduct that created a hostile environment for women.
Akoijam has denied the allegations, calling the dismissal a politically motivated witch-hunt. He has also questioned the inquiry process and disputed claims regarding his level of cooperation with the committee.
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Akoijam on October 11 at the Vasant Kunj North police station following a complaint from the JNU Chief Security Officer. The investigation into the alleged offences is ongoing.