Delhi Court Directs Seven Working Days’ Notice Before Arrest of Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam
A Delhi court directs police to give Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam seven working days’ prior written notice before arrest in the JNU sexual harassment case, while requiring continued cooperation with the investigation.
NEW DELHI, November 5, 2026: A Delhi court has directed the Delhi Police to serve seven working days’ prior written notice to Inner Manipur Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam before taking coercive action against him, including arrest, in connection with a sexual harassment case involving allegations by students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court passed the direction on Thursday while disposing of Akoijam’s anticipatory bail application.
The court specified that any such notice must be physically served and not sent through electronic means if the investigating agency decides that his arrest or custodial interrogation is necessary.
Protection Conditional on Cooperation
The court noted that Delhi Police had informed it that Akoijam’s arrest was not currently being contemplated, considering the nature of the allegations and the stage of the investigation.
However, it directed the police to provide seven working days’ notice if circumstances change and arrest becomes necessary.
Akoijam was also directed to provide the names of at least two persons from his family, residence or office who could receive the physical notice if he was unavailable in Delhi.
The protection is conditional on his continued cooperation with the investigation and appearance before the investigating officer whenever required. The court further said the investigating officer could approach it for appropriate directions if Akoijam failed to cooperate.
Investigation into JNU Complaints Continues
According to the court proceedings reported by India Today NE, the case stems from a joint complaint submitted to JNU authorities on May 18 by 16 complainants, including men and women.
The university subsequently constituted an internal committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The court noted that 15 of the 16 complainants appeared before the committee, which also examined independent and defence witnesses.
The committee concluded that the allegations were established and recommended a major penalty, following which JNU terminated Akoijam’s services.
Delhi Police registered an FIR at Vasant Kunj North Police Station based on a complaint and documents submitted by JNU’s Chief Security Officer. The investigating officer informed the court that the alleged victims had not yet been examined, as their particulars were still being obtained from the university.
Akoijam has described his dismissal as a “witch hunt” and questioned the process followed by the university.
Delhi High Court Had Earlier Stayed JNU Termination
In a separate development, the Delhi High Court on November 2 stayed JNU’s decision to terminate Akoijam’s services and issued notice to the university on his petition challenging the dismissal.
The criminal investigation and the proceedings concerning his termination from JNU are separate matters and are continuing independently.
The latest order provides conditional protection from coercive action without the stipulated prior notice; it does not conclude the criminal investigation or determine the merits of the allegations.
