Four Manipur-based civil society organisations in Delhi have called for a fair and impartial inquiry into the sexual harassment case involving Lok Sabha MP Bimol Akoijam and students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), citing concerns over alleged procedural lapses, leaks of sensitive information and what they described as a media trial.
In a joint statement issued on October 15, the organisations stressed the need for confidentiality, procedural integrity and institutional accountability, warning that sensationalised media coverage and public speculation could prejudice the inquiry and cause further harm to those involved.
The groups also called for a thorough examination of concerns reportedly raised by the JNU Teachers’ Association over alleged procedural violations. They said the functioning of the university administration and its Internal Committee should be scrutinised fairly and transparently to restore confidence in the proceedings.
“The fundamental principles of natural justice must not be compromised under any circumstances,” the statement said, underscoring the importance of impartiality, procedural safeguards and protection against external pressure and prejudgment.
The organisations expressed concern that political interests had overshadowed the need for an independent and confidential inquiry, warning that the controversy risked becoming a tool of political contestation in Delhi and Manipur.
They also questioned the level of public attention devoted to the case, contrasting it with what they described as the lack of sustained efforts to address Manipur’s prolonged crisis.
“The same urgency and public attention directed towards this controversy have rarely been matched by sustained efforts to address the crisis in Manipur,” the statement said.
The groups urged the JNU administration to safeguard the confidentiality of all parties, uphold due process and ensure that external pressure or media coverage did not undermine the inquiry.
They also appealed to the media to refrain from what they termed “sensationalised, TRP-driven coverage”, cautioning that such reporting could prejudge the case. They emphasised that the rights, dignity and reputation of everyone involved must be respected.
The statement was jointly issued by the Meitei Heritage Society, Ningol United Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC) and Team Meitei Personalities (TMP).