Delhi HC stays JNU professor Bimol Akoijam's termination over sexual harassment

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) decision to terminate the services of Congress MP and professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed following allegations of sexual harassment by at least 11 female students. The court issued notice to the university on his plea challenging the termination order and listed the matter for hearing in January. Justice Anup J Bhambhani passed the order on Akoijam’s petition challenging his dismissal from JNU, where he was a professor at the School of Social Sciences. Akoijam represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency as a Congress MP. According to reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complainants alleged that he invited students to his campus residence on the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks during classes. On October 9, JNU terminated Akoijam’s services over the complaints. The dismissal order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, stated that the university’s Internal Complaints Committee had conducted an inquiry and recommended disciplinary action based on its findings. "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. Akoijam has denied all the allegations against him. (With agency inputs)