Court grants interim protection to Congress MP Bimol Akoijam in JNU case
The Rouse Avenue Court directed Delhi Police to provide seven days' notice before arresting the professor in a sexual harassment matter.
A Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest to Congress Member of Parliament (MP) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in a sexual harassment case. Special Judge Digvinay Singh directed the Delhi Police to refrain from taking coercive action against Akoijam and ordered that a seven-day written notice must be served personally if an arrest becomes necessary, according to reports by India Today and The Tribune.
The court noted that Akoijam has been cooperating with the investigation. The judge observed that the probe is ongoing and that the statements of the complainants have not yet been recorded. The delay in recording these statements occurred because the JNU administration had not yet shared the names and specific details of the complainants with the police.
The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 12 at the Vasant Kunj North police station following a complaint from the university's chief security officer. The FIR includes charges under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which involve sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman.
The allegations involve several female students who claimed the professor invited them to his residence under the guise of meetings and made inappropriate remarks during classes. Bhaskar English reported that 16 female students have levelled allegations against him during his tenure at the university.
JNU dismissed Akoijam from his position on October 9 following an inquiry, though the Delhi High Court stayed this termination on November 2 after he challenged the decision. Akoijam has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
The police have issued a notice to JNU to obtain the necessary information to contact the students. The court directed Akoijam to provide the contact details of two family members to the investigating officer and stated that police may approach the court if he fails to cooperate with the probe.
