The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed Jawaharlal Nehru University's decision to terminate professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over sexual-harassment complaints filed by at least 11 female students.
Justice Anup J Bhambhani issued notice to JNU on Akoijam's petition challenging the termination order and listed the case for hearing in January. The stay temporarily suspends the university's dismissal decision.
Akoijam, a professor at JNU's School of Social Sciences, represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency as a Congress MP.
JNU terminated his services on October 9. The dismissal order, signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, said the university's Internal Complaints Committee had conducted an inquiry and recommended disciplinary action based on its findings.
Reports said at least 11 female students submitted sexual-harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complainants alleged that he invited students to his campus residence on the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks during classes.
The university's order stated that, after following due process and considering the available facts and the Internal Committee report, dismissal from university service had been imposed. Akoijam has denied all allegations against him.
The matter is now due to be heard by the Delhi High Court in January.
