Tripura High Court Stays THRC Proceedingis Against Tripura NLU Prof. Nachiketa Mittal

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 1, 2026

The Tripura High Court has stayed proceedings initiated by the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) against Prof. Dr. Nachiketa Mittal, following a writ petition challenging the Commission’s proceedings and its order dated August 14, 2026.

The matter came up before the Hon’ble Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice and Hon’ble Justice Biswajit Palit in WP(C) No. 646 of 2026, filed by Prof. Dr. Nachiketa Mittal. Through the petition, Dr. Mittal challenged the proceedings initiated by the Human Rights Commission as well as the August 14 order, under which the Commission had directed various authorities to take punitive and consequential measures against him.

After hearing the matter, the Division Bench issued notice to the Tripura Human Rights Commission and stayed the proceedings before the Commission. The Court also stayed all proceedings consequential to the Commission’s order dated August 14, 2026.

The case arises from THRC Complaint No. 45 of 2026, concerning allegations made against Dr. Mittal during his association with the National Law University, Tripura. In its August 14 interim order, the THRC had considered an Investigation Wing report, statements of witnesses and other materials before forming a prima facie view on the allegations. Among its directions, the Commission had recommended measures concerning Dr. Mittal’s appointment to law universities and directed authorities to take further action.

With the High Court’s latest order, the implementation of the THRC proceedings and consequential actions arising from the August 14 order have been put on hold pending further consideration of the writ petition.

Advocate Sankar Lodh appeared on behalf of Prof. Dr. Nachiketa Mittal. There was no advocates appearing for the THRC or other respondents.

According to the Tripura Human Rights Commission's order, the Investigation Wing interacted with a number of students and faculty members of NLU Tripura during its inquiry. The report, as recorded in the Commission's proceedings, referred to allegations concerning inappropriate conduct and sexual-abuse-related concerns involving Prof. Dr. Mittal.

The Commission observed that the Investigation Wing's report portrayed what it described as an “unfortunate, unwanted and unwarranted atmosphere” at NLU Tripura during the tenure of Prof. Dr. Nachiketa Mittal.

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