The Rouse Avenue court said the investigation was still at an early stage, with complainants’ statements yet to be recorded. It warned that the police could seek further directions if Bimol Akoijam failed to cooperate.
BY PC Bureau
November 4: A Delhi court has directed the Delhi Police to give Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam seven days’ notice before arresting him in a sexual harassment case. The direction came on Thursday as the court considered his anticipatory bail plea.
Special Judge Digvinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Courts asked the police not to take coercive action against Akoijam without first giving him the stipulated notice, should his arrest become necessary during the investigation.
The court took note of Akoijam’s clean criminal record and his cooperation with the investigation. It also observed that the probe was at an early stage, with statements of the complainants yet to be recorded.
The judge made it clear that the protection was subject to Akoijam’s cooperation. If he failed to join the investigation or comply with police requirements, the Delhi Police would be free to approach the court for further directions.
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The case stems from sexual harassment complaints filed by several women students at JNU against Akoijam, who was associated with the university’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences. At least 11 students lodged complaints against him in May, prompting the police to register an FIR under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complaints led to parallel proceedings within the university and the criminal justice system. JNU conducted an internal inquiry and subsequently decided to terminate Akoijam services. He challenged the university’s decision before the Delhi High Court, arguing against the action taken against him.
Earlier this week, the High Court stayed the termination order, providing him interim relief in the service dispute. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued notice to JNU on Akoijam petition and listed the matter for further hearing in January 2027.
The High Court proceedings concern his employment and the university’s disciplinary action, while the criminal case is being investigated separately by the Delhi Police.
Akoijam, who represents Inner Manipur in the Lok Sabha, has denied the allegations. The complaints remain allegations and have not been established in a criminal trial.
