Congress MP Bimol Akoijam Seeks Anticipatory Bail in Sexual Harassment Case
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has approached Rouse Avenue Court for anticipatory bail following sexual harassment allegations by 11 former students.
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has approached the Rouse Avenue Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a sexual harassment case registered at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. The lawmaker, who represents Manipur, is facing serious allegations from eleven girl students regarding his conduct during his tenure as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The Legal Tug-of-War Over Jurisdiction
The journey to the Rouse Avenue Court follows a jurisdictional complication. Initially, Bimol Akoijam moved the Patiala House Court for anticipatory bail, as the case was registered within the jurisdiction of the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. However, the Patiala House Court declined to hear the plea, citing the fact that Akoijam is a sitting Member of Parliament.
The court clarified that since the accused is an MP, the jurisdiction for such matters lies specifically with the Rouse Avenue Court. This stance was supported by the investigating officer, who opposed the bail plea at Patiala House on the same grounds. Despite the jurisdictional hurdle, the Patiala House Court granted Akoijam interim protection until November 2.
Current Court Proceedings
With the interim protection nearing its end, Akoijam’s legal counsel filed an application online with the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday. Principal District and Sessions Judge (PDSJ) Nikhil Chopra has since listed the bail plea for a hearing.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard on Tuesday before Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh, who handles MP-MLA cases. The court will now determine whether the lawmaker is entitled to anticipatory bail as the investigation into the allegations continues.
Key Details of the Case:
- The Accused: Bimol Akoijam, Congress MP from Manipur and former JNU professor.
- The Allegations: Sexual harassment reported by eleven female students.
- The Legal Action: Application for anticipatory bail moved after interim protection from Patiala House Court.
- Next Step: Hearing scheduled for Tuesday at the Rouse Avenue Court.