Delhi HC Stays JNU Dismissal of Professor and MP Bimol Akoijam
The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University's decision to terminate the services of professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following sexual harassment allegations, putting his dismissal on hold. Justice Anup J Bhambhani issued a notice to the university in New Delhi on Akoijam's petition challenging the termination order and scheduled the case for its next hearing in January.
Akoijam, a professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences and the Lok Sabha MP representing Inner Manipur, was dismissed by JNU on October 9. The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, stated that the punishment of dismissal from university services was imposed after considering available facts and the inquiry report from the Internal Complaints Committee.
The case dates back to May 18, when initial complaints of sexual harassment were lodged against Akoijam. The matter came to light after a student shared her experience during a viva examination in a students-only WhatsApp group, prompting others to come forward. The number of complainants subsequently rose to 11, which included male students. The allegations against the professor involved sexually suggestive remarks during classes and vivas, inappropriate advances during gatherings at his residence, and alleged offers of higher marks in exchange for sexual favours.
Following its proceedings, the inquiry panel concluded there was evidence demonstrating a pattern of inappropriate interactions, sexually suggestive conduct, and unwelcome physical contact that created an intimidating and hostile learning environment. The committee delivered its report to the vice-chancellor on October 9. The internal panel was split regarding the recommended penalty, with the presiding officer and other members supporting a major penalty, while student representatives favoured a lesser sanction.
Akoijam challenged the inquiry by alleging procedural irregularities and stating the accusations were politically motivated, maintaining that he had submitted his written responses and produced defence witnesses. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association also contested the termination, citing Statute 30 of the JNU Act to argue that dismissing a faculty member requires the authority of the Executive Council rather than unilateral action by the vice-chancellor, while also flagging a leak of the inquiry report. Meanwhile, Delhi Police registered an FIR on October 11 at Vasant Kunj North police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions after the university's chief security officer forwarded the panel's documents.
