Delhi Court orders 7-day notice before arrest of Congress MP

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A Delhi court on Thursday directed the Delhi police not to take any coercive action against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with a sexual harassment case. Mr. Akoijam had been dismissed from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following an internal inquiry into the allegations. However, the Delhi High Court had stayed the decision earlier this week.

Special Judge Digvinay Singh, presiding over a court at the  Rouse Avenue Court Complex, also directed the police to give Mr. Akoijam seven days’ notice if they intend to arrest him.

The court noted that the investigation is ongoing and the statements of the complainants are yet to be recorded.

Observing that Mr. Akoijam has clean antecedents and had been cooperating with the investigation, the court said the police could approach it for appropriate directions if he fails to cooperate.

At least 11 women students of JNU had complained against Mr. Akoijam in May this year. According to reports, they alleged that he had invited students to his residence on the campus on the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them.

Mr. Akoijam has denied the allegations.

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