Jawaharlal Nehru University has dismissed Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Congress MP from Manipur, with immediate effect following an inquiry conducted by the institution's Internal Committee into allegations of sexual harassment lodged by 11 female students. Akoijam was a faculty member at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems within the School of Social Sciences.
Internal Inquiry Findings and Administrative Order
The university order, dated October 9 and issued under the signature of Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit, detailed the trajectory of the disciplinary action. Following the submission of allegations concerning inappropriate conduct, the administration referred the complaints directly to its Internal Committee for formal scrutiny. After concluding its review of the facts and witness accounts, the panel recommended the imposition of a major penalty against the faculty member.
The administrative document affirmed that the institution followed established procedures before reaching its verdict. Upon reviewing the available evidence and the findings submitted in the inquiry report, university authorities determined that immediate termination from service was the appropriate outcome.
Statutory Framework and Service Rules Invoked
The formal order cited specific statutory guidelines to underpin the dismissal, noting that the Internal Committee recommended major punishment in accordance with institutional service regulations, specifically referencing UGC provision F.91-1/2013 (TFGS)/10(1). This regulatory benchmark mandates decisive disciplinary consequences against educational personnel found culpable of sexual misconduct.
Furthermore, the university invoked Rule 11(ix) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules to execute the penalty. Under the framework of Rule 11(ix) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, removal from service is formally classified as a dismissal that typically disqualifies the individual from securing future employment within government institutions.
Nature of Allegations Brought by Students
The inquiry originated from formal accusations submitted by 11 female students who detailed recurring incidents of objectionable conduct. The allegations described inappropriate statements during classroom lectures, unwanted advances during group gatherings, and misconduct throughout academic interactions. With the formal signing of the order, Akoijam's dismissal from the university faculty has taken effect immediately.
