Tripura HC Stays Human Rights Commission Proceedings Against NLU Professor
Sep 01, 2026
A Division Bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Bishwajit Palit, has issued notice to the Tripura State Human Rights Commission and stayed all pending proceedings and further action arising from its August 14, 2026 order against Professor Dr. Nachiketa Mittal.
The order came after the Bench heard a writ petition filed by Dr. Mittal, in which he challenged both the proceedings initiated by the Commission and the validity of its August 14 order, which had directed various measures against him.
According to the petition, the complaint against Dr. Mittal was filed with the Commission over allegations raised during his tenure at the National Law University, Tripura (NLU Tripura). In its interim order, the Commission had formed a preliminary opinion on the allegations based on a report from its investigation branch, witness statements and other documents, and had, among other directions, recommended action regarding Dr. Mittal's appointment at the university.
The Commission's report had referred to allegations of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment against Dr. Mittal, and had described the environment during his tenure at NLU Tripura as "unfortunate, undesirable and unjust."
With the High Court's stay, enforcement of the Commission's August 14 order and any further steps based on it remain on hold for now. Further developments will depend on the next hearing of the writ petition and the court's subsequent decision.
Advocate Shankar Lodh appeared for Dr. Mittal during the hearing. No lawyer was present for the Commission or any other opposite party.
