Several Manipuri civil society organisations based in Delhi have called for due process, confidentiality and adherence to the principles of natural justice in the ongoing sexual harassment case involving Lok Sabha MP Prof. Akoijam Bimol and students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), warning against political interference and media trials.
In a joint statement, the organisations expressed concern over alleged procedural lapses, the public circulation of sensitive information and what they described as the targeting of individuals involved in the case. They said a matter of such sensitivity required procedural integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and institutional responsibility.
The organisations said speculation, selective disclosures and sensationalised media coverage risked prejudicing the proceedings, damaging reputations and causing further harm to those concerned. They maintained that public scrutiny should not undermine due process or violate the rights of individuals involved.
They also called for serious and impartial examination of concerns reportedly raised by the JNU Teachers’ Association over alleged procedural violations, stating that the conduct of the university administration and its Internal Committee should be examined fairly to restore confidence in the proceedings.
Emphasising that natural justice must not be compromised, the organisations said a fair inquiry required impartiality, adequate procedural safeguards and protection from external pressure and prejudgment.
The statement further criticised what it described as political opportunism surrounding the case, arguing that political contestation in Delhi and Manipur risked overshadowing the need for an independent and confidential inquiry.
Referring to Manipur’s prolonged crisis, the organisations questioned the disparity between the public attention devoted to the JNU controversy and the sustained efforts directed towards resolving the situation in the state. They said the politicisation of the case was particularly troubling when Manipur continued to endure a prolonged period of hardship.
The organisations urged the JNU administration to uphold natural justice, protect confidentiality, ensure procedural integrity and safeguard all parties from prejudice arising from media coverage or external pressure.
They also appealed to the media to refrain from sensationalised coverage that could prejudge the case and undermine a fair inquiry, stressing that the rights, dignity and reputations of everyone concerned must be respected.
The statement was jointly issued by the Meitei Heritage Society, Ningol United Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC), No. 7, and Team Meitei Personalities (TMP).