Bimol Akoijam accuses JNU Vice-Chancellor of bypassing due process, says he will challenge decision in court

Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on October 12 alleged serious procedural violations in the inquiry conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), claiming that the university’s Internal Committee (IC) and Vice-Chancellor had bypassed established procedures while taking action against him.

Speaking in an interview at his residence in Keishamthong, Imphal, Akoijam questioned the speed of the inquiry, the alleged denial of opportunities to appeal and respond, and the disclosure of confidential information to the media. He described the proceedings as a “Khap Panchayat” and accused sections of the media and political actors of conducting a trial by media.

Akoijam said he received an email from the Internal Committee at 12:42 pm on October 9 informing him that the inquiry had concluded. He questioned how the Vice-Chancellor could have examined the report and issued a dismissal order within such a short period, alleging that the prescribed procedures under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations had not been followed.

He maintained that the applicable regulations provide for the report to be shared with the parties concerned and allow a 30-day period to raise objections or appeal. He also questioned the alleged failure to issue a show-cause notice before the dismissal order was issued.

The MP further alleged that he received a copy of the inquiry report only at 11:35 pm on October 9, after reports of his dismissal had already circulated in the media. He claimed that the proceedings violated confidentiality requirements under Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act.

Akoijam also disputed the Vice-Chancellor’s reported claim that she had sent him around 300 emails during the proceedings. He said he possessed a record of 43 emails exchanged in connection with the matter and questioned the Vice-Chancellor’s role in communicating about the inquiry.

Rejecting allegations that he had failed to cooperate, the MP said he submitted a written response on May 31, appeared before the committee on July 16 and subsequently submitted a written deposition. He alleged that despite his cooperation, the process had been used to harass him.

Akoijam also questioned the nature of the complaints, claiming that there were 15 complainants, including three men, and asked whether complaints by male students could be entertained under the POSH Act. He challenged media organisations and political leaders to produce documentary evidence for allegations that he had sought sexual favours in exchange for marks, asserting that the allegation did not appear in the documents he had seen.

The MP accused sections of the media and political actors of selectively publicising allegations against him while failing to examine whether the inquiry had complied with the applicable rules. He said he would release relevant documents at an appropriate time to present his version of events.

Responding to a question about whether the BJP and RSS were deliberately targeting him to undermine his political role, Akoijam said he had entered electoral politics to speak truth to power and represent the concerns of his constituents, rather than pursue a personal political career.

He also warned that the handling of the controversy could deepen resentment in Manipur and widen the trust deficit between the Northeast and the rest of the country. He maintained that he would not succumb to political pressure and said his primary responsibility was to the people who elected him.

Akoijam confirmed that he would challenge the JNU decision in a court of law, expressing hope that the judiciary would ensure justice. He said he had served the country for more than three decades as an academic and had contributed to shaping students across the country.

Expressing disappointment over the controversy, the MP said he was considering returning to Manipur to spend the rest of his life among his people, with dignity and respect. He also appealed to the youth of Manipur to remain patient, asserting that the truth would eventually emerge.