The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has been exposed by its response to the cases of sexual harassment allegations involving professors.
The JNUSU which is led by leftist-communist groups AISA has exposed itself by the varying response depending on who the perpetrators are.
In 2024, when a JNU professor was accused of sexually and mentally harassing a student, JNUSU issued a public “statement expressing solidarity with the victim”. It alleged that the professor had sent lewd poems and messages, sought personal meetings and threatened the student with academic consequences. JNUSU demanded that the professor be restrained, suspended and that the proceedings be expedited.
In another 2024 case involving 47 female students, JNUSU again publicly challenged the handling of the complaints, alleging that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was attempting to dilute the collective complaint and intimidate complainants.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY
with student from SIS who has courageously spoken oit against sexual harrasment and the misogynist ICC.JNUSU pic.twitter.com/cRDniSenGo
— JNUSU Official (@jnusu_official) August 5, 2024
But the tone is notably different in the latest case.
At least 11 students have complained to JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee against professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. The allegations include sexually suggestive remarks during vivas, alleged sexual advances and claims that students were offered extra marks in return for sexual favours. The ICC is investigating the allegations.
JNUSU’s September 9 statement says the media reports are “shocking” and extends support to the survivors. But much of the statement is devoted to the alleged leaking of confidential information, warning that such a procedural lapse could ultimately weaken or overturn the case.
JNUSU’S Statement on recent media reports on sexual harassment case filed in IC against a JNU professor. pic.twitter.com/83GHtOHTqb
— JNUSU Official (@jnusu_official) September 9, 2026
The contrast is striking.
In 2024, JNUSU openly demanded action against an accused professor and warned against shielding perpetrators. In 2026, involving a professor who is also a sitting Congress MP, its emphasis is on the confidentiality breach and the danger of the case being compromised.
That does not establish that JNUSU is defending the accused professor. But it raises an uncomfortable question: would JNUSU have taken the same cautious, procedural approach if the accused professor did not belong to the political ecosystem it broadly identifies with?
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
