Former MPhil and PhD students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor and Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam have expressed solidarity with him, alleging procedural irregularities, breaches of confidentiality and a media trial in connection with his dismissal from the university.
In a statement issued on October 15, the former research scholars from JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems (CSSS) described the dismissal as “rushed, procedurally flawed, and politically charged”. They rejected the allegations against the professor and questioned the process followed by the university’s Internal Committee.
The former students alleged that details of the complaint, the committee’s findings and the dismissal order had circulated in the media and on social media, violating the confidentiality provisions of Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
They claimed that the inquiry report and dismissal order appeared to have been issued on the same day, with the order becoming public almost immediately. Citing Akoijam’s statement that he had not received the report before the punishment was imposed, they argued that the sequence raised concerns about compliance with the principles of natural justice and the prescribed procedure.
The former scholars also criticised media reports linking the case to allegations of seeking sexual favours in exchange for extra marks, asserting that this allegation was not mentioned in the original complaint. They said the publicity had subjected the professor and his family to humiliation and mental distress, while also compromising the confidentiality of the proceedings.
Defending his teaching methods, the signatories said Bimol Akoijam had encouraged critical thinking and open discussions on gender, sexuality, politics and society. They cited his courses, including Culture, Personality and Society and Cinema and Culture in Society, which they said drew on established academic literature and theories relating to human sexuality, relationships and cinema.
They maintained that classroom discussions, film screenings and academic interactions outside formal lectures were part of his teaching approach. They also defended the use of viva examinations, saying these were intended to assess students’ conceptual understanding rather than merely award marks.
Describing Akoijam as a mentor who provided a supportive academic environment to students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, the former scholars said they had witnessed his commitment to teaching and research during their association with him.
The statement called for adherence to due process and condemned what the signatories described as an unethical media trial. It concluded by reiterating their solidarity with Bimol Akoijam and asserting that he would not be deterred by public criticism or intimidation.