A Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers.
Delivering its verdict, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. It also acquitted former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case.
The judgment brings to a close one of India's most closely watched sports-related legal cases, which triggered nationwide protests by some of the country's top wrestlers in 2023.
Why Was Brij Bhushan Singh Charged?
The case stemmed from complaints filed by six women wrestlers, who accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct during his tenure as Wrestling Federation of India president.
The allegations led to months of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar by Olympic and international wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. The demonstrations drew national attention and prompted demands for Singh's arrest.
Following the protests, Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet after investigating the allegations.
What Did the Delhi Court Say?
While acquitting Brij Bhushan Singh, the Delhi court observed that the prosecution had not proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt, the legal standard required for a criminal conviction.
The court concluded that the available evidence was insufficient to hold the accused guilty under criminal law.
An acquittal means the prosecution could not prove the case to the standard required in court. It does not necessarily establish that the alleged incidents did or did not occur.
Background of the Case
The controversy erupted in January 2023 when several wrestlers publicly accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual harassment.
The protests resumed in April and May 2023, with athletes demanding action against the then-WFI chief.
Delhi Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against Singh under provisions related to sexual harassment, while another case involving allegations by a minor complainant was later closed after police reported that the age claim could not be substantiated.
The case remained pending before the Delhi court until the latest verdict.
A Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers.
Delivering its verdict, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. It also acquitted former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case.
The judgment brings to a close one of India's most closely watched sports-related legal cases, which triggered nationwide protests by some of the country's top wrestlers in 2023.
Why Was Brij Bhushan Singh Charged?
The case stemmed from complaints filed by six women wrestlers, who accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct during his tenure as Wrestling Federation of India president.
The allegations led to months of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar by Olympic and international wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. The demonstrations drew national attention and prompted demands for Singh's arrest.
Following the protests, Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet after investigating the allegations.
What Did the Delhi Court Say?
While acquitting Brij Bhushan Singh, the Delhi court observed that the prosecution had not proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt, the legal standard required for a criminal conviction.
The court concluded that the available evidence was insufficient to hold the accused guilty under criminal law.
An acquittal means the prosecution could not prove the case to the standard required in court. It does not necessarily establish that the alleged incidents did or did not occur.
Background of the Case
The controversy erupted in January 2023 when several wrestlers publicly accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual harassment.
The protests resumed in April and May 2023, with athletes demanding action against the then-WFI chief.
Delhi Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against Singh under provisions related to sexual harassment, while another case involving allegations by a minor complainant was later closed after police reported that the age claim could not be substantiated.
The case remained pending before the Delhi court until the latest verdict.
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