Delhi High Court stays JNU termination of Congress MP Bimol Akoijam
The court issued a notice to the university regarding the dismissal of the professor following sexual harassment allegations.
The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the decision by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to terminate the services of Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Akoijam, a Congress MP representing the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, challenged his dismissal in court, according to reports from The Times of India and The New Indian Express.
The university dismissed Akoijam on October 9 after an inquiry by its Internal Committee (IC) into complaints made by at least 11 female students in May. The complainants alleged that the professor used the excuse of social gatherings or meetings to invite students to his campus residence to attempt sexual harassment. Some students also accused him of making inappropriate and obscene remarks during classes.
The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, stated that the university followed due process and acted on the findings of the Internal Committee. Justice Anup J Bhambhani has issued a notice to the university and listed the matter for a hearing in January.
Akoijam has denied all allegations, describing the dismissal as a politically motivated witch-hunt. He has also questioned the inquiry process used by the university.
Separately, 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 case involves allegations of sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman. Akoijam has approached the Rouse Avenue Court seeking anticipatory bail, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.