Delhi High Court Halts Dismissal of JNU Professor Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Delhi High Court has intervened to stay the dismissal of JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who faced serious allegations of sexual harassment. The court emphasized the necessity of procedural fairness, stating that the university must issue a show-cause notice and allow a hearing before imposing such a severe penalty. This ruling comes after multiple complaints from female students, leading to Akoijam's dismissal on October 9. The case raises significant questions about the handling of sexual harassment allegations in academic institutions and the rights of the accused. The next hearing is scheduled for January 25, as the legal battle continues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 16:17 IST

Court's Intervention in Professor's Dismissal

File image of Manipur MP and JNU professor, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. (AT Photo)

New Delhi, Nov 12: The Delhi High Court has intervened to suspend the dismissal of Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who faced allegations of sexual harassment.

The court ruled that the university could not impose such a severe penalty without first providing a show-cause notice and allowing Akoijam to defend himself against the proposed action.

Justice Anup J Bhambhani expressed that it is challenging to accept that the serious penalty of dismissal could be enforced without proper procedural safeguards, including a personal hearing for the professor.

The interim relief was granted on November 2, and the court's order was later made available on its official website.

The court stated, “The effect and operation of the order dated 09.10.2026 and all actions taken by the university in response to that order shall remain on hold until the next hearing,” which is scheduled for January 25.

During the proceedings, JNU's legal representative contended that the dismissal was in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations rather than the JNU Act.

Conversely, Akoijam's attorney argued that the inquiry conducted by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was flawed, as the complaints were lodged by students who were not the alleged victims.

Additionally, it was pointed out that the ICC's report from October 9 lacked the signature of the student representative.

His counsel further claimed that the dismissal was disproportionate and breached the JNU Act, as Akoijam had not been suspended nor given a chance to respond to the allegations.

JNU refuted the assertion that the complaints were not filed by the actual aggrieved parties.

Reports indicate that at least 11 female students accused Akoijam of sexual harassment in May, alleging that he invited them to his residence under false pretenses and made inappropriate comments during classes.

Following these complaints, JNU dismissed Akoijam on October 9.

In a separate development, the Delhi Police filed an FIR against him shortly after his dismissal, based on allegations of sexual harassment and insulting a woman's modesty, with the complaint lodged by the university's chief security officer on October 11.

The High Court's interim ruling effectively pauses the enforcement of the dismissal order and any related actions by JNU until the upcoming hearing.