Delhi Court Disposes of Manipur MP Akoijam's Bail Plea
Rouse Avenue Court disposes of Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam's bail plea after Delhi Police state no immediate arrest is planned.
The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday disposed of the anticipatory bail plea filed by Manipur MP and JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. This decision came after the Delhi Police informed the court that they are not contemplating his immediate arrest in connection with a sexual harassment case.
Police Assurance and Court Conditions
During the proceedings, Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat, appearing alongside Investigation Officer Kavita Rao, submitted that the police do not intend to arrest the MP at this moment. However, the police clarified that should new developments make an arrest necessary, Akoijam will be provided with a seven-day prior notice.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh, after reviewing the police reply and supporting documents, noted that the accused must be given physical notice and is required to provide the names of two known acquaintances. The court further specified that if Akoijam fails to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, the investigating officer is free to approach the court again.
The Allegations and Investigation
The legal battle stems from a sexual harassment case where 11 women students have levelled allegations against the MP. Following these claims, an FIR was registered at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station, and the matter remains under active investigation.
Counsel for Akoijam presented several points in his defense, including:
- The accused has cooperated with the Investigation Officer.
- The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has examined the matter, and their report was submitted to the court.
- The defense argued that there is no direct complaint from any aggrieved woman and that the alleged complainant is currently not joining the investigation.
- The High Court has stayed his termination from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
A Complex Jurisdictional Journey
The path to the Rouse Avenue court was marked by jurisdictional hurdles. Akoijam had initially sought transit bail from a Manipur court on October 12, which was extended until October 29. He then approached the Patiala House Court for anticipatory bail due to the jurisdiction of the Vasant Kunj North Police Station.
However, the Patiala House Court determined it could not hear the plea because Akoijam is a sitting Member of Parliament, meaning jurisdiction lay with the Rouse Avenue court. While the Patiala House Court granted him interim protection until November 2, the case was eventually transferred. The Rouse Avenue Court had previously extended this interim protection on November 3 before the final disposal of the plea on Thursday.