Verdict in wrestlers' sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan on August 3

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its verdict in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court will pronounce its judgment on August 3 after hearing final arguments from both sides.

The case stems from complaints filed by five women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as the head of the WFI.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court concluded the hearing after final submissions were made by the prosecution and the defence. The court has directed both sides to file their written arguments within two weeks.

On Thursday, senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for the complainant wrestlers, presented the final arguments and urged the court to award strict punishment to the accused.

Earlier this week, lawyer Rajiv Mohan, appearing for the two accused, rejected the allegations and argued that the case was based on fabricated claims aimed at tarnishing their reputation. He urged the court to acquit them.

Both Singh and Tomar are currently out on bail.

The case has its origins in the protests by some of India’s top wrestlers in 2023, who accused Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. Following the intervention of the Supreme Court, Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet against the former WFI chief.

The chargesheet accused Singh of offences including sexual harassment, using criminal force against women with intent to outrage their modesty, stalking and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused in the case.

In May 2024, a Delhi court ordered that charges be framed against Singh under provisions related to sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women. The court also directed that criminal intimidation charges be framed in connection with some of the complaints. Charges were similarly framed against Tomar for criminal intimidation.

When charges were framed, Singh pleaded not guilty and said he was ready to face trial. He denied all allegations and maintained that the case against him was false. Tomar also rejected the accusations, claiming he had never threatened or intimidated any wrestler.

During earlier hearings, Delhi Police argued that Singh had allegedly threatened wrestlers and warned them against speaking out. Prosecutors cited statements from complainants claiming they were told to remain silent if they wanted to continue their wrestling careers.

The case has remained one of the most high-profile legal battles in Indian sports, drawing national attention and triggering a wider debate on athlete safety and accountability in sports administration.

With the trial court now reserving its verdict, all eyes will be on August 3 when it delivers its decision in the case.

- Ends