Manipur MP calls his dismissal as JNU prof 'witch hunt'
Source Entity
PRABIN KALITA
Jawaharlal Nehru University has dismissed professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following sexual harassment allegations from 11 students. Akoijam has denied the claims, labeling the investigation a 'witch hunt' and accusing the university of procedural breaches.
Institutional Crisis: JNU Dismisses Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has taken the significant step of dismissing professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who currently serves as the Congress MP for the Inner Manipur constituency. This action follows a formal inquiry conducted by the university's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which substantiated grave allegations of sexual harassment brought forward by 11 students. The students reported incidents involving sexually suggestive remarks during viva examinations and inappropriate advances at the professor’s on-campus residence.
The University’s Stance and Procedural Integrity
By acting on the recommendations of the ICC, JNU has signaled a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct within its academic halls. The university administration maintains that its decision to terminate Akoijam’s employment was a direct result of the committee's findings. This development underscores the ongoing efforts of higher education institutions to enforce the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, ensuring that academic environments remain safe and professional for all students, regardless of the accused's political stature.
The Accused’s Defense: Allegations of a 'Witch Hunt'
In response to his dismissal, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has vehemently denied the allegations, characterizing the entire process as a politically motivated "witch hunt." Akoijam claims that he has not yet received the official dismissal order or the formal recommendations from the internal committee. He has further leveled serious counter-accusations against the JNU vice-chancellor, alleging that the university leadership has breached the protocols mandated by the POSH Act throughout the investigative process.
Legal and Political Implications
As a sitting Member of Parliament, Akoijam’s dismissal carries significant political weight. By labeling the investigation as a "witch hunt," the MP is framing the conflict as a potential misuse of institutional power against a political opponent. Given his intention to challenge the dismissal through legal channels, the case is likely to transition from an internal university matter to a public courtroom battle, which will test the robustness of JNU’s internal inquiry mechanisms against claims of procedural unfairness.
Broader Context of Academic Accountability
This case highlights the tensions often present when academic governance intersects with public political service. The situation raises critical questions regarding the standard of proof required in university disciplinary proceedings versus the legal protections afforded to public figures. As the legal battle unfolds, the focus will remain on whether JNU followed the letter of the law under the POSH Act and whether the students' complaints were addressed with the impartiality required by law.
Conclusion: A Precedent for Future Disputes
The dismissal of a high-profile academic and politician marks a pivotal moment for JNU’s administrative record. Whether the courts uphold the university's decision or find merit in Akoijam’s claims of procedural irregularities will set a significant precedent for how sexual harassment cases are handled in elite Indian universities. For now, the academic community and the political sphere await the next steps in this high-stakes legal confrontation.