Delhi High Court stays JNU termination of Congress MP Bimol Akoijam
The court issued a notice to the university regarding the dismissal of the Inner Manipur MP over sexual harassment allegations.
The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the decision of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to terminate the services of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Justice Anup J Bhambhani issued a notice to the university following a petition by Akoijam, who was a professor at the university's Centre for the Study of Social Systems.
According to reports from The New Indian Express and Times of India, the university dismissed Akoijam on October 9. The dismissal followed an inquiry by the university's Internal Committee into complaints made by at least 11 female students in May. The students alleged that Akoijam used the excuse of social gatherings or meetings to bring them to his campus home to attempt sexual harassment, and that he made inappropriate remarks during classes.
The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, stated that the university followed due process. The Internal Committee's findings reportedly described a pattern of unwelcome physical contact and sexually suggestive conduct that created a hostile environment for women.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha, has denied all allegations. He described the dismissal as a politically motivated witch-hunt and has questioned the inquiry process.
The matter has also led to legal action by the Delhi Police. An FIR was registered against Akoijam on October 11 at the Vasant Kunj North police station following a complaint from the JNU Chief Security Officer. The case involves charges related to sexual harassment and insulting a woman's modesty.
Moneycontrol reported that Akoijam has approached the Rouse Avenue Court seeking anticipatory bail. That court is scheduled to hear his plea on Tuesday, November 3, while the High Court has listed the termination challenge for a hearing in January.