In a significant development, both the complainants and the Delhi Police have strongly opposed former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s plea to quash the sexual harassment case against him. The opposition was presented on Thursday during a hearing at the Delhi High Court, where Singh’s petition was being considered.
Brij Bhushan, who has served as the chief of WFI and is a prominent leader within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had filed a petition seeking to dismiss the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against him by the Delhi Police.
The FIR was filed based on complaints from several women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. These serious allegations have led to a legal battle that has attracted widespread attention, both in the sports community and among the general public.
The case was heard by a bench led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna. During the proceedings, the bench observed that Singh’s petition seemed to be an attempt to disrupt the ongoing legal process, particularly since the trial had already commenced.
The court questioned the timing and the strategy behind Singh’s petition, which sought to challenge both the charges of framing and the overall proceedings in a single plea.
The bench suggested that this approach could be perceived as an “oblique way” to overturn the case, indicating that it might be a calculated move to delay or derail the legal process.
Singh’s legal team, represented by Advocate Rajeev Mohan, argued that the FIR and the subsequent legal actions were motivated by ulterior motives. They claimed that the case against Singh was part of a hidden agenda aimed at undermining his reputation and position.
Despite these arguments, the court did not appear convinced and directed Singh’s counsel to submit a concise note outlining their arguments within two weeks. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, where the case will be further considered.
The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have sparked significant controversy. The former WFI chief is facing charges related to sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women.
These charges are based on the complaints of several women wrestlers who have come forward with their allegations. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issues of safety and respect for women in sports, highlighting the challenges that female athletes often face in a male-dominated environment.
Last week, the trial court took a crucial step by recording the statement of one of the complainants. The statement was recorded in a vulnerable witness room, a measure taken to ensure the comfort and security of the complainant. This move reflects the sensitivity of the case and the need to protect the privacy and dignity of the victims involved.
In addition to opposing Singh’s plea, the court recently directed the police to reinstate the security of a female wrestler who had accused Singh of sexual harassment. This decision underscores the ongoing concerns for the safety of the complainants as the case progresses.
The legal proceedings against Brij Bhushan began earlier this year when the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against him and Vinod Tomar, another official, on June 15. The charge sheet was the result of two FIRs registered against Singh.
The first FIR was filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in connection with a minor wrestler’s complaint, while the second FIR was based on the complaints of several other wrestlers.
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