Four Manipur-based civil society organisations in Delhi have called for a fair and impartial inquiry into the sexual harassment case at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) involving Lok Sabha MP Bimol Akoijam and students. The groups have raised 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 emphasised the need to maintain confidentiality, uphold procedural integrity and ensure institutional accountability. They cautioned that sensationalised media coverage and public speculation could prejudice the inquiry and cause further harm to those involved.
The organisations also called for a thorough examination of concerns reportedly raised by the JNU Teachers’ Association regarding alleged procedural violations. They said the functioning of the university 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, stressing the importance of impartiality, procedural safeguards and protection against external pressure and prejudgment.
Concerns Over Political Interference and Media Coverage
The civil society groups expressed concern that political interests had overshadowed the need for an independent and confidential inquiry. They warned that the controversy risked becoming a subject of political contestation in both Delhi and Manipur.
The organisations also questioned the level of public attention surrounding the case, contrasting it with what they described as the absence 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 compromise the inquiry.
They also appealed to media organisations to stop what they described as “sensationalised, TRP-driven coverage”, warning that such reporting could influence public perceptions before the inquiry reaches its conclusions.
The statement stressed that the rights, dignity and reputation of everyone involved must be respected throughout the proceedings.
Four Organisations Issue Joint Statement
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).
The organisations called for a process grounded in fairness, confidentiality and accountability, emphasising that the inquiry should be allowed to proceed without political interference or prejudgment.
Their appeal comes amid broader concerns over institutional procedures, media responsibility and the protection of the rights of all parties involved in sensitive sexual harassment cases.