Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress, was found guilty of sexual harassment by Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) internal review committee in a report released on 28 September 2024. The committee listed nine credible allegations, ranging from invasive personal questions to unwelcome physical contact and the screening of a sexually explicit film in class.
The investigation, initiated after complaints filed by eleven female students, uncovered a pattern of conduct that the committee described as "inconsistent with the professional boundaries expected in a teacher‑student relationship." It noted that Akoijam repeatedly asked students about their dating lives, held their hands without consent, and displayed a film with explicit content without warning.
The MP’s dual role as an academic and a public office holder drew criticism from student groups and the university’s governing board. A spokesperson for JNU said the university would honour the committee’s recommendation and terminate Akoijam’s contract within 14 days, pending a final audit of the employment records.
Akoijam has not yet issued a statement. The university’s legal counsel confirmed that the dismissal will trigger a formal grievance process under the institution’s employment policy, and the case could proceed to the Ministry of Education if the MP challenges the decision in court.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on safeguarding practices at Indian universities, with several academic bodies calling for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent future violations.