The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) decision to terminate the services of Congress Lok Sabha MP and professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over allegations of sexual harassment. The interim relief was granted by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, who also issued notice to the university on Akoijam’s petition challenging his dismissal. The matter is slated to be heard next in January 2027.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency, had served as a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences. The university had terminated his services with immediate effect on October 9, following an inquiry into complaints lodged by several women students.
According to the complaints, at least 11 students had approached JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in May, alleging sexual misconduct. They claimed that Akoijam had invited students to his campus residence on the pretext of meetings or social gatherings and allegedly made obscene and inappropriate remarks during classroom interactions.
Akoijam challenged the university’s decision before the High Court, contending that he had not been served any prior notice before the termination order was passed. He also questioned the fairness of the disciplinary proceedings and alleged procedural irregularities in the inquiry. He has denied the allegations levelled against him and described the university’s action as politically motivated.
The university’s termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit, stated that its Internal Complaints Committee had conducted an inquiry and recommended major disciplinary action based on its findings. JNU maintained that the decision to dismiss him was taken after considering the material on record and the committee’s report.
Separately, the Delhi Police had registered an FIR against Akoijam on October 11 in connection with the allegations. The criminal investigation is underway. The High Court’s interim order concerns the university’s termination decision, while the police investigation remains a separate proceeding.
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