Delhi Court Exempts WFI Ex-Chief For A Day In Sexual Harassment Case

A Delhi court on Friday granted exemption from personal appearance for the day to outgoing WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a case of alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

The relief was granted by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal, who considered an application presented by Singh’s lawyer. The lawyer apprised the court that the accused, being occupied with parliamentary duties, was unable to attend the proceedings.

Suspended WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, however, appeared before the court.

Subsequently, the judge allowed both the accused individuals the necessary time to scrutinize the charge sheet and other relevant documents that they received from the Delhi police.

The magistrate stated, “Allowed (exemption application) for today only. It is submitted that more time be given for scrutiny of documents. Considering the voluminous nature of the record, it is not objected by the prosecution… Post the matter for August 3.”

Earlier, the metropolitan court, on July 20, granted bail to both Singh and Tomar. The bail was set at Rs 25,000 each, and certain conditions were imposed, including a restriction on leaving the country without the court’s prior permission and refraining from offering any inducement to witnesses involved in the case.

On June 15, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is a six time MP, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. These sections include 354, 354A, 354D, and 506.