A Delhi court on Wednesday granted former Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a final opportunity to file his formal response to an appeal challenging his acquittal in an alleged sexual harassment case lodged by four women wrestlers. The Rouse Avenue Courts directed Singh to submit his reply within one week, making it clear that no further extensions would be provided for filing the requested documentation.
The legal challenge has been brought forward by four women wrestlers who are contesting the trial court judgment that previously acquitted both Singh and former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar. The appellants have argued in their submission that the trial court verdict was legally unsustainable and failed to properly evaluate the complete body of evidence presented during the initial hearings. Furthermore, the appeal contests the acquittal of Tomar on a charge of criminal intimidation under Section 506 Part I of the Indian Penal Code, which had been raised by one of the participating complainants.
Legal Proceedings and Background
- Final Deadline: The Rouse Avenue Court instructed Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to submit his reply within one week.
- Appellants: Four women wrestlers filed the appeal challenging the trial court’s acquittal decision.
- Previous Ruling: Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh and Tomar on August 3 due to insufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Protest Origins: The high-profile case stems from a series of protests at Jantar Mantar in January 2023 by prominent Indian wrestlers demanding action.
Case Progression and Future Outlook
The judicial process initiated fresh momentum on September 28 when the Rouse Avenue Court officially issued notices to both Singh and Tomar to gather their responses regarding the challenge. During a subsequent hearing on October 9, the court granted additional time to the respondents and scheduled the matter for late October. The original controversy dates back to early 2023 when notable athletes including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia led demonstrations in the capital demanding governance changes within the national wrestling federation. While the lower court initially found the prosecution’s evidence insufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the ongoing appeal process ensures the legal battle over the allegations will continue to be reviewed in the judicial system.
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