The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Wednesday heard final arguments on criminal complaints filed against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The case stems from an FIR lodged by several women wrestlers accusing Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI president.
Background of the case
The allegations against Brij Bhushan first surfaced in January 2023, when top wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. They accused Singh of sexually exploiting female wrestlers and demanded his arrest. The protests continued for months, drawing national attention and prompting the government to form a panel to investigate.
Based on the complaints, Delhi Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. Singh has denied all allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
Court proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, the counsel for the complainants argued that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. The defense, however, contended that the allegations are baseless and that the complainants have been inconsistent in their statements. The court is expected to pass an order on the maintainability of the plaints in the coming days.
According to sources, the court has reserved its judgment after hearing both sides. The case is being closely watched as it involves high-profile athletes and a former sports administrator.
Impact on Indian wrestling
The scandal has had a significant impact on Indian wrestling. The WFI was suspended by the world governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), in August 2023 for failing to hold elections on time. The suspension was lifted after the WFI conducted elections in December 2023, but the controversy continues to cast a shadow over the sport.
Many wrestlers have called for a complete overhaul of the WFI's administration to ensure a safe environment for athletes. The court's decision in this case could set a precedent for how such complaints are handled in sports bodies.
