court-reserves-verdict-in-brij-bhushan-harassment-case

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its judgment in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, fixing August 3 for pronouncement of the verdict.

 

The proceedings were held in camera at the Rouse Avenue Court, where Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar reserved the matter after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.

 

The court also directed both sides to file their written submissions within two weeks before the judgment is delivered.

 

Senior advocate Rebecca John advanced final arguments on behalf of the complainants. The defence was represented by advocate Rajiv Mohan, assisted by advocates Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, who concluded their submissions on June 30.

 

The case stems from allegations levelled by several women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as president of the Wrestling Federation of India. The allegations sparked nationwide protests led by some of India's top wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in 2023, drawing widespread public and political attention.

 

Also read: BJP leader Brij Bhushan alleges funds scam at Ram Temple

 

Following the protests, the Delhi Police registered an FIR and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.

 

After completing its investigation, the police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet on June 15, 2023, invoking provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty, sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation.

 

During the trial, the court examined multiple witnesses, including members of the SIT and the investigating officer, before hearing final submissions from both sides.

 

Singh and Tomar have been facing trial over allegations made by women wrestlers from India and abroad, who accused the former WFI chief of sexual harassment during his time at the helm of the federation.

 

With arguments now concluded, the Rouse Avenue Court is set to deliver its verdict on August 3.