New Delhi: Delhi High Court Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration’s decision to terminate the services of professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over allegations of sexual harassment.Justice Anup J Bhambhani also issued notice to the university on Akoijam’s petition challenging the dismissal order and listed the case for hearing in Jan.Akoijam, who is also the Congress MP from Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, was a professor at School of Social Sciences and, as per reports, at least 10 women students filed sexual harassment complaints against him in May. On Oct 9, JNU dismissed Akoijam over the sexual harassment complaints.There was no immediate response from the university regarding the recent development.According to the termination order, signed by vice-chancellor Santishree D Pandit, the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had conducted an inquiry and recommended disciplinary action.“Upon following the due process and considering all available facts and as per the report of the internal committee, the punishment of dismissal from the services of the university is, hereby, imposed,” the order stated.The case dates to May 18, 2026, when complaints of sexual harassment were submitted against Akoijam of Centre for the Study of Social Systems.TOI was the first to report on Sept 6 that at least 10 students had approached the university’s Internal Complaints Committee. The number of complainants subsequently emerged as 11, including male students.The allegations included sexually suggestive remarks during vivas and classes, inappropriate advances at gatherings at the professor’s residence and alleged offers of higher marks in exchange for sexual favours. The allegations came to light after a student shared her experience during a viva in a students-only WhatsApp group, prompting others to come forward.Following its inquiry, ICC found evidence of a pattern of inappropriate interactions, sexually suggestive conduct and unwelcome physical contact. It observed that the alleged behaviour had created an intimidating and hostile learning environment for students. The committee submitted its report to the vice-chancellor on Oct 9.TOI earlier also highlighted that the panel was divided over the recommended punishment, with the presiding officer and other members favouring a major penalty, while student representatives reportedly wanted a lesser punishment.Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association had questioned the dismissal, alleging that the vice-chancellor had bypassed due procedure. Citing Statute 30 of JNU Act, it argued that the authority to dismiss a faculty member rested with the university’s Executive Council, not the vice-chancellor acting unilaterally. It also flagged the alleged leak of the ICC report, saying it violated confidentiality norms governing sexual harassment inquiries.Akoijam challenged the inquiry, alleging procedural irregularities and describing the allegations as politically motivated. He maintained that he had submitted his response and produced defence witnesses before the committee.Delhi Police registered an FIR on Oct 11 at Vasant Kunj North police station after JNU’s chief security officer forwarded the ICC documents, invoking Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions relating to sexual harassment and sexually coloured remarks.
