A group of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alumni from Manipur has questioned the procedure, confidentiality and proportionality of the university’s dismissal of Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on October 9, calling for scrutiny of the disciplinary action and the findings reportedly attributed to the Internal Committee.
In a collective statement, the alumni raised concerns over the alleged leakage of confidential inquiry details, public discussion of the case by university leadership and the circulation of allegations before the process was fully examined. They cited Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, which restricts the publication of complaint-related information, subject to statutory exceptions.
The alumni also argued that the nine matters reportedly attributed to the committee must be assessed individually and in their academic context, cautioning against treating discussions on sexuality, relationships, classroom interactions or physical proximity as conclusive evidence of sexual harassment without examining the specific circumstances.
Separately, they questioned whether the dismissal complied with JNU’s Statute 30 and the university’s prescribed procedures, including the authority responsible for removal, the opportunity to respond to findings and the requirement for an Executive Council decision. The statement noted that JNU has maintained that due process was followed, while Professor Akoijam and other university stakeholders have raised procedural concerns.
The alumni also expressed concern over the public use of the phrase “sex for marks”, stating that it was not among the nine allegations described in the leaked material they examined.
Calling for greater transparency and procedural fairness, the group said gender justice and natural justice must be upheld together, ensuring protection for complainants while safeguarding the respondent’s right to a fair process.