NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police not to initiate coercive measures against Congress Lok Sabha Member and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case, mandating a seven-day advance notice if his arrest is sought.
Special Judge Digvinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Courts disposed of Akoijam's anticipatory bail petition while granting him procedural protection. The court observed that the parliamentarian has an unblemished record and has cooperated with investigators since joining the inquiry. The bench added that should Akoijam fail to assist in the probe, the police remain free to approach the court for further directions.
During the hearing, the public prosecutor submitted that the inquiry is still at an initial stage and formal statements from the complainants are yet to be recorded, as the university administration has not yet furnished their names and contact details despite receiving a formal notice from the police.
Akoijam, who teaches at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences, was terminated from his university post on October 9 following an internal inquiry conducted by the institution. The professor denied the allegations and termed his dismissal a witch hunt by the university backed by political motives.
The case originates from an FIR registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses offences of sexual harassment. 11 female students filed sexual misconduct complaint against Akoijam to JNU's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in May. The complaint included allegations by the students that they were called to his residence on the pretext of meetings and inappropriate remrks during class.
On November 2, the Delhi High Court stayed the termination order after he challenged the university's decision, issuing a notice to JNU and scheduling the matter for a detailed hearing in January 2027.
The Inner Manipur MP had previously secured temporary relief from the Patiala House Court on October 29 before his plea was transferred to the Rouse Avenue Courts on jurisdictional grounds pertaining to elected representatives.
(With inputs from media reports)