Delhi-based Manipuri civil society organisations urge JNU to ensure a fair, confidential inquiry into the Bimol Akoijam case and warn against political interference and sensationalised media coverage.
New Delhi, Oct. 15: A group of Manipuri civil society organisations (CSOs) based in Delhi has called for a fair, impartial and confidential inquiry into the sexual harassment case at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) involving Lok Sabha MP Prof. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and students, expressing concern over alleged procedural lapses, media coverage and political interference.
In a media statement dated October 15, the organisations said the sensitivity of the case required strict adherence to due process, confidentiality, impartiality and institutional responsibility.
The groups expressed concern over what they described as apparent breaches of procedure, the public disclosure and circulation of sensitive information, and the targeting of individuals connected with the proceedings. They said these developments had raised questions about the integrity of the inquiry.
The organisations also criticised the continuing media coverage of the case, warning that speculation, selective disclosures and sensationalised reporting could prejudice the inquiry, damage reputations and cause further harm to those involved.
They said public scrutiny should not come at the expense of due process, confidentiality or the rights of the individuals concerned.
Call for examination of JNU procedures
The CSOs said concerns reportedly raised by the JNU Teachers' Association over alleged procedural violations warranted serious and impartial examination.
They called for a fair and transparent review of the conduct of the university administration and its Internal Committee, saying such scrutiny was necessary to restore confidence in the inquiry.
Emphasising the principles of natural justice, the organisations said a fair investigation required impartiality, appropriate procedural safeguards and protection for all parties against external pressure and prejudgment.
They further urged the JNU administration to protect the confidentiality of everyone involved and ensure that media coverage or outside pressure did not undermine the proceedings.
Concern over politicalisation of the case
The organisations expressed concern that political interests had overshadowed the need for an independent and confidential inquiry.
According to the statement, the political developments surrounding the case in Delhi and Manipur risked turning a sensitive matter into an instrument of political contestation, at the expense of due process and the dignity of those involved.
The groups also linked their concerns to the prolonged crisis in Manipur, saying the political attention and public engagement surrounding the JNU case contrasted with what they described as a lack of sustained efforts to address the situation in their home state.
They said the politicisation of the case was particularly troubling when Manipur had endured a prolonged crisis for almost four years. The organisations argued that comparable commitment from the government, media and political parties towards resolving the crisis could have helped achieve meaningful progress.
Appeal to media and university administration
The CSOs urged the media to stop what they described as sensationalised, ratings-driven coverage that prejudged the case and risked undermining a fair inquiry.
They called on journalists and media organisations to respect confidentiality, due process and the rights, dignity and reputations of all those concerned.
The statement reiterated the organisations' appeal to the JNU administration to uphold natural justice, maintain procedural integrity and protect everyone involved from prejudice arising from media coverage or external pressure.
The statement was issued jointly by the Meitei Heritage Society, Ningol United Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee (DMCC), and Team Meitei Personalities (TMP).
