Relief for Bimol Akoijam as court pauses JNU termination over sex harassment claims

Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, was a professor at JNU's School of Social Sciences before the university terminated his services on October 9 following an inquiry into complaints lodged by 11 female students.Delhi Police registered an FIR against Akoijam on October 11 over the sexual harassment allegations. (File Photo: ITG)New Delhi,Nov 2, 2026 18:11 ISTThe Delhi High Court on Monday paused Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) decision to terminate the services of Congress MP and former professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over allegations of sexual harassment. Justice Anup J Bhambhani issued notice to the university on Akoijam's petition challenging his dismissal and listed the matter for hearing in January.Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, was a professor at JNU's School of Social Sciences before the university terminated his services on October 9 following an inquiry into complaints lodged by 11 female students.The development comes amid a political row in Manipur, with the BJP demanding Akoijam's resignation from Parliament and the Congress accusing the ruling party of using the allegations to target its MP. The controversy has also triggered protests both against and in support of Akoijam in the state.WHY JNU TERMINATED AKOIJAMAccording 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 under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also accused him of making obscene and inappropriate remarks during classes. JNU dismissed Akoijam on October 9 following an inquiry by its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which recommended disciplinary action based on its findings.The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, said the university had followed due process and considered the findings of the internal inquiry before deciding to dismiss him. "Upon following 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 the allegations and questioned the procedure followed by the university, describing his dismissal as politically motivated. He has also challenged the university's action through legal channels.BJP DEMANDS MP'S RESIGNATION, APPROACHES PRESIDENTThe BJP launched a series of protests following Akoijam's dismissal. On October 10, the party's women's wing organised a march towards Congress Bhavan in Imphal, demanding that he resign from Parliament.Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also called for Akoijam to step down, while former chief minister N Biren Singh questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's support for the MP.The BJP subsequently took the issue beyond Manipur. On October 13, a delegation of BJP women MPs, including Manipur BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP A Sharda Devi, met President Droupadi Murmu and sought her intervention, demanding action against Akoijam and his suspension from the Lok Sabha. The delegation also sought protection for the students who had filed complaints.The BJP's women's wing held demonstrations in Delhi and other places, while its youth wing organised another march in Imphal on October 16.- Ends