JNU professor Akoijam gets interim protection from arrest, court orders 7-day notice
By TUF News Desk · Published 5 November 2026 · 4 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
A Delhi court on Thursday gave interim protection from arrest to Jawaharlal Nehru University professor and Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Special Judge Digvinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Courts said the Delhi Police must give Akoijam seven days’ notice if his arrest is needed, and disposed of his anticipatory bail plea in the sexual harassment case against him.
The protection is conditional. It holds as long as Akoijam cooperates with the investigation. If he does not, the police can return to the court for directions. The judge noted that Akoijam has clear antecedents and has been cooperating, and his counsel told the court that he has joined the probe.
The investigation has moved slowly on one front. The statements of the complainants are yet to be recorded, because JNU has not shared their names and details with the police. The public prosecutor told the court that a notice has gone to the university, and the police will speak to the complainants once those details arrive.
What the case is about
At least 11 women students filed complaints against Akoijam in May. According to reports, they alleged that he invited students to his campus residence on the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks during classes. The allegations have not been proved in court.
JNU’s Internal Committee inquired into the complaints. On October 9, Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit dismissed Akoijam from service with immediate effect, after the committee recommended disciplinary action. Delhi Police registered an FIR on October 12 at Vasant Kunj North police station, on a complaint filed by the university’s chief security officer. The FIR invokes Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which cover sexual harassment and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
A second case is running in parallel
Akoijam also challenged his dismissal. On November 2, the Delhi High Court stayed JNU’s termination order, after he told the court that no notice was issued to him before the decision. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued notice to the university and listed the matter for hearing in January 2027.
Akoijam has denied the allegations and has maintained that they are politically motivated. He is a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems, under the School of Social Sciences, and represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency as a Congress MP.
What happens next
The interim protection covers the investigation stage. The police will record the complainants’ statements once JNU shares their details, and the High Court will take up the challenge to the termination order in January. The two tracks are separate. The court order on Thursday concerns the police case, while the High Court case concerns his job. JNU publishes its official notices on its official website.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Rouse Avenue court order on November 5, 2026?
It barred the Delhi Police from taking coercive action against Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and said seven days’ notice must be given before any arrest. The court disposed of his anticipatory bail plea.
Why have the complainants’ statements not been recorded yet?
Because JNU has not provided their names and details to the police. The public prosecutor told the court that a notice has been issued to the university, and the police will speak to the complainants once the details arrive.
What is the status of Akoijam’s dismissal from JNU?
The Delhi High Court stayed the October 9 termination order on November 2. The case will be heard again in January 2027.
What are the charges in the FIR against Akoijam?
Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which cover sexual harassment and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Rouse Avenue court order on November 5, 2026?
It barred the Delhi Police from taking coercive action against Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and said seven days' notice must be given before any arrest. The court disposed of his anticipatory bail plea.
Why have the complainants' statements not been recorded yet?
Because JNU has not provided their names and details to the police. The public prosecutor told the court that a notice has been issued to the university.
What is the status of Akoijam's dismissal from JNU?
The Delhi High Court stayed the October 9 termination order on November 2. The case will be heard again in January 2027.
What are the charges in the FIR against Akoijam?
Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which cover sexual harassment and words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
Sources: Bar and Bench, The Tribune, Deccan Herald