Delhi HC To Examine Jurisdiction For Plea By Minor Wrestlers Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The Delhi High Court issued notices on Tuesday to its Registrar General and the Principal Secretary of the Delhi government in response to a petition aims to determine that court should handle the plea of minor wrestlers for a court-monitored investigation against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Currently, the Rouse Avenue Court deals with cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). However, offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), the court with the relevant jurisdiction is the Patiala House court.

The wrestlers had filed two pleas before the Rouse Avenue Court under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), seeking a court-monitored probe. A plea was submitted by a group of wrestlers above the age of 18, while the other was filed by the minor wrestlers.

While Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal issued notices on the plea by the adult wrestlers, he referred the other case to the High Court.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the High Court heard the matter and issued notices to the Registrar General and the Delhi government. The respondents have been ordered to file their replies by July 6.

Senior Advocate Narender Hooda, along with advocates Shaurya Lamba, Anindya Malhotra, Rashi Choudhary, and Rishabh Goel, appeared on behalf of the wrestlers.

The wrestlers approached the Rouse Avenue Court seeking a court-monitored investigation and requested the recording of their statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Additionally, they sought an action taken report on the investigation, leading the court to issue notice on May 10.

Previously, the wrestlers approached the Supreme Court to register an FIR against Singh. The Delhi Police informed the apex court that they would indeed register an FIR. Subsequently, the top Court was informed by the Delhi Police that the FIR had been filed, the investigation was underway, and statements were being recorded.

Considering the assurances provided by the Delhi Police, the Supreme Court closed the case and noted that it previously directed the provision of security to the complainants, which the Delhi Police had already implemented.

For any other relief, the petitioners have been advised by the apex court to approach the appropriate jurisdictional magisterial court or the High Court.