Delhi High Court Provides Relief to Congress MP Amid JNU Sexual Harassment Allegations

Court Ruling on Employment Termination

New Delhi - Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Congress MP and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has received significant relief from the Delhi High Court following allegations of sexual harassment. The court has issued a notice to the JNU administration, halting the termination process initiated by the university. Justice Anup J. Bhambhani presided over the hearing regarding the petition filed by the MP, with the next court session scheduled for January.

Background of the Allegations

Before entering politics, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam served as a professor in the 'School of Social Sciences' at JNU. In May, approximately 11 female students lodged complaints against him, alleging that he engaged in inappropriate behavior by inviting them to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or events, and making lewd comments during classes. Based on the findings of the university's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), JNU's Vice-Chancellor, Shantishree D. Pandit, ordered his dismissal on October 9.

Political Implications and Reactions

In response to the allegations, Bimol Akoijam has vehemently denied all charges and questioned the fairness of the investigation process. He has characterized his dismissal as politically motivated and has challenged it in the high court. This situation has escalated into a significant political issue in Manipur, where the Bharatiya Janata Party and its women's wing have been actively protesting, demanding his resignation from the Lok Sabha.