Wrestlers Sexual Harassment Case: Delhi HC Grants Brij Bhushan Time to Submit Contentions

The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh additional time to submit his contentions for seeking the quashing of the FIR and charges framed against him in a sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna granted Singh two weeks and scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 26, 2024.

The court noted, “Petitioner seeks time to prepare a short note raising all the contentions for seeking the quashing of the charge sheet and all other proceedings emanating therefrom. Two weeks are granted to do so.” This request was opposed by the counsel for the State and the victims, who argued that it was not maintainable.

The complaints were filed by six women wrestlers. The trial court determined that the complaint of one was time-barred and therefore framed charges based on the complaints of five victims. Senior advocate Rebecca John pointed out that this indicates a thorough consideration by the trial court.

During the hearing, the court questioned Singh for filing a single petition to challenge both the order framing charges and the FIR, charge sheet, and all other proceedings. “There can’t be an omnibus order for everything,” the court said, noting that Singh was challenging all aspects after the trial had commenced. “This is nothing but an oblique way,” the court added.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, representing Singh, argued that there was no commonality between the causes and no continuity in the instances stated by the alleged victims. He claimed the allegations against Singh were “motivated” and that the complaints were part of a common agenda to remove him from his position as WFI chief.

The high court remarked that all the arguments now presented by Singh should have been considered by the trial court at the time of framing charges. Singh contended in his plea that the investigation was biased, as only the victims’ versions—who were allegedly seeking revenge—were considered, and the charge sheet was filed without addressing the alleged falsehood of the claims.

Singh maintains that he has been falsely implicated and that no offence, as alleged by the prosecution, was committed. On May 21, the trial court had framed charges of sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging the modesty of women against Singh. Co-accused and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar also faced a charge of criminal intimidation.

The Delhi Police filed an FIR against Singh following the Supreme Court’s intervention in May 2023.

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