Arunachal MP calls for probe after court orders notice for JNU professor

A Delhi court on Thursday ordered the police to serve a mandatory seven-court-working-day physical notice before any custodial interrogation or coercive action against Congress Lok Sabha MP and suspended Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, The Sentinel Assam reported. The same day, a Member of Parliament from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh demanded an unbiased investigation into the campus safety allegations that have surrounded the case.

Court disposal of anticipatory bail plea

The Rouse Avenue Courts disposed of the anticipatory bail plea filed by Akoijam. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh directed the Delhi Police to give the advance notice before initiating any interrogation or arrest. The judge noted that Akoijam has clean antecedents and has cooperated with the investigation.

Police reply and conditions of the order

The order followed a reply from the Delhi Police stating they were not contemplating his immediate arrest. The judge stipulated that if the probe uncovers developments requiring custody, the agency must deliver the physical notice during active court sessions, allowing the accused to seek legal remedies. Under the disposal, Akoijam must provide the names of two alternative contacts to receive physical notices if he is away in Manipur.

Details of the FIR and investigation

The legal trouble for the Inner Manipur MP stems from an FIR registered on October 11 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station under Sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR followed an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) report in which at least 11 female students accused the professor of inappropriate conduct at his campus residence. During the hearing, it emerged that the police have not yet recorded the victims' statements because JNU authorities have failed to provide the particulars of the complainants to the investigating agency.

Political reactions and further judicial developments

The ruling came days after the Delhi High Court stayed JNU’s October 9 order terminating Akoijam’s services, with the matter listed for its next hearing in January 2027. In response, the Arunachal MP called for an unbiased investigation into the campus safety allegations, urging authorities to ensure a fair process.

Akoijam has strongly denied all charges, describing the university’s actions as a "political witch hunt". After the initial police summons, he said, "I challenge my accusers to prove the charges; I will resign from Parliament if any allegation against me is proven."