Delhi Court Orders Framing of Sexual Harassment Charges Against Former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh

In a significant development, a Delhi court has directed the framing of charges of sexual harassment, stalking, outraging modesty of women, and criminal intimidation against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The charges stem from a case initiated on a complaint filed by women wrestlers, and the court’s decision comes after finding prima facie evidence.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot has ordered the framing of charges for offences allegedly committed between 2016 and 2019. A formal framing of charges is scheduled to take place on May 21. The court has also ordered the framing of charges against co-accused and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, both of whom are currently out on bail.

The Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet against Singh on June 15, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to sexual harassment, assault, stalking, and criminal intimidation. Despite Singh’s plea for further investigation, the court rejected it earlier.

Last year, Delhi Police filed a charge sheet alleging harassment, assault, and stalking of six female wrestlers by Singh. The chargesheet, spanning 1,500 pages, relied on statements from 22 witnesses, including wrestlers, coaches, referees, and physiotherapists from four states, corroborating the allegations.

While one wrestler and her father withdrew their allegations in a new statement before a magistrate, prompting a request for the cancellation of the case under the POCSO Act, initially, two FIRs were lodged against Singh based on wrestlers’ complaints.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of accountability and justice in cases of sexual harassment, sending a strong message against such misconduct, especially in positions of authority. As the legal proceedings progress, the case serves as a reminder of the imperative to create safe and respectful environments, particularly within sports organizations, to protect the dignity and rights of all individuals.

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