A Delhi Court on Thursday disposed of the anticipatory bail plea filed by Inner Manipur Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in a sexual harassment case, directing Delhi Police to give him seven days’ prior notice before making any arrest.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court passed the order after Delhi Police assured that it had no immediate plans to arrest Akoijam and would serve a seven-day notice if his arrest became necessary during the investigation.
The court observed that Akoijam had been cooperating with the investigation and directed him to provide the names of two persons known to him. It also clarified that the investigating officer could approach the court for appropriate directions if he failed to cooperate. A detailed order is awaited.
The case stems from sexual harassment complaints filed by at least 11 female JNU students in May. The complainants allegedly accused Akoijam of inviting students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings and gatherings and making inappropriate remarks. Delhi Police registered an FIR under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Vasant Kunj North Police Station on October 12, based on a complaint and documents submitted by the university’s Chief Security Officer following an internal inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on November 2 stayed JNU’s decision to terminate Akoijam’s services following the university’s internal inquiry. The High Court issued notice to the university on his petition challenging the termination and listed the matter for hearing in January 2027.
Akoijam has denied the allegations and described his dismissal as a witch hunt, questioning the due process followed by the university.
