New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU’s) decision to terminate the services of Congress MP and professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani passed the interim order after Akoijam challenged the university’s decision, arguing that he had not been issued a notice before his termination. The court also issued notice to JNU on his petition challenging the dismissal.
The matter is scheduled to be heard next in January 2027.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, was working as a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences. The university terminated his services with immediate effect on 9 October, following an inquiry into complaints of sexual harassment.
The case
Eleven students filed a sexual misconduct complaint against Akoijam with JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee in May. The allegations included inviting students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and making inappropriate and obscene remarks during classes.
JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee conducted an inquiry into the complaints and recommended “major punishment”. The university then proceeded to terminate his services.
Akoijam has denied the allegations and questioned the disciplinary proceedings, describing them as politically motivated and alleging procedural irregularities. The Delhi Police also registered an FIR against him on 11 October in connection with the allegations, and an investigation is underway.
Aditya Edara is a TPSJ alum, currently interning with ThePrint.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)