Delhi HC stays JNU's dismissal of Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam

The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) order dismissing Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur, from his post as a professor, legal news site Bar and Bench and India Today reported.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani passed the interim order on Akoijam's petition challenging his removal. The court issued notice to JNU and listed the matter for the next hearing in January 2027.

Why the court stepped in

According to Bar and Bench, Akoijam told the court that no notice was issued to him before the university decided to dismiss him. The stay is an interim measure; the court has not ruled on the merits of the case or on the allegations against him.

Advocate Moirangthem Gunedhor Singh argued the case for Akoijam, with advocates David Ahongsangbam, Hijam Chandrakumar and Ashlikumar Athokpam also appearing for him.

The dismissal and the allegations

JNU dismissed Akoijam with immediate effect on October 9 after its Internal Committee inquired into complaints of sexual harassment filed by 11 women students in May. The committee recommended a major penalty, and the university imposed dismissal. The termination order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, said the university had followed due process and considered the committee's report before deciding.

Akoijam taught at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems in JNU's School of Social Sciences. He has denied the allegations, called the proceedings politically motivated and alleged procedural lapses in the inquiry.

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against him in connection with the allegations, and the investigation is under way. Monday's order does not affect that criminal case.

Anticipatory bail plea in criminal case

Separately, Akoijam has moved the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi for anticipatory bail in the criminal case registered by Delhi Police, Moneycontrol reported. The FIR was registered on October 11 on a complaint by JNU's Chief Security Officer. The court is scheduled to hear the plea on Tuesday, November 3.

A political row in Manipur

The case has become a flashpoint in Manipur politics. The BJP has demanded that Akoijam resign from Parliament, while the Congress has accused the ruling party of using the allegations to target its MP. There have been protests both against and in support of him in the state.

Akoijam won the Inner Manipur seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and has been a vocal opposition voice from the state in Parliament.

What next

With the stay in place, the dismissal order cannot be acted upon until the court decides otherwise. JNU is expected to file its reply before the January hearing, when the court will take up the petition further. NEInsider will follow the case as it develops.