Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted in Sexual Harassment Case: A Legal Victory Amidst Controversy

Court Ruling in Favor of Brij Bhushan

On August 3, the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), along with Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary, in a sexual harassment case brought forth by female wrestlers. The verdict was delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar in a closed courtroom.

Following the court's decision, Singh asserted his innocence, claiming that false allegations have become a tool for political factions seeking financial and political leverage.

He emphasized, “I have never viewed myself as a criminal. This was a fabricated conspiracy involving various political entities. What began as a movement for athletes has morphed into a political agenda. Today, I have been vindicated by the judiciary. I was never anxious about this situation, and I remain untroubled now.”

Singh criticized his accusers and highlighted a troubling trend of fabricated legal claims across the nation.

In his remarks after the ruling, Singh framed the court's decision as not just a personal triumph but as a stand against the rising culture of false accusations. He pointed out that filing false complaints has become a profitable venture for organized groups.

“There are countless individuals facing baseless allegations. It has become a trend, a weapon,” Singh stated. “There exists a ‘gang’ in every district that files cases for financial gain. This ruling should empower those wronged by false accusations to stand firm and fight back.”

Throughout the legal proceedings, which ignited significant protests led by prominent Indian wrestlers at Jantar Mantar, Singh maintained that his reputation remained intact.

He dismissed the idea that the allegations had tarnished his political or social standing, citing his continued public engagements as evidence of ongoing support from the grassroots level.

“My reputation was never damaged,” he asserted. “You can review videos from before this case—observe the crowds at my public events. My standing has not diminished, as this was all based on falsehoods,” he added.

In addressing the athletes who spearheaded the protests against him, including notable figures like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, Singh urged them to reconsider their actions while acknowledging their right to pursue legal avenues.

“They should reflect on their actions,” Singh remarked, noting that while the wrestlers have the right to continue their fight, the accusations lack a factual basis.

Singh also rejected claims of administrative failures within the WFI regarding the management of internal complaints and the presence of necessary oversight panels.

He insisted that formal grievance mechanisms were always in place and that the controversy was artificially created. “A committee exists; it has always existed,” Singh emphasized. “The situation was not as it was portrayed; it was manufactured. If someone wishes to create a narrative, who can prevent them? But all committees were operational before and remain so today.”

The Rouse Avenue court's ruling on Monday cleared Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of the sexual harassment allegations linked to the FIR filed by female wrestlers during Singh's tenure as WFI chief.

The Delhi Police had invoked several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in this case. The acquittal was announced by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar after a closed hearing.

The court's detailed judgment is expected to be published soon. On July 2, the court had reserved its judgment in this significant case.

Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar faced trial concerning allegations of sexual harassment against women wrestlers both in India and abroad during Singh's leadership of the WFI.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, supported by Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, represented Brij Bhushan, while senior advocate Rebecca John represented the complainants. The arguments concluded on June 30.

Women wrestlers had staged protests at Jantar Mantar, leading to the FIR filed by the Delhi Police based on their complaints.

On June 15, 2023, the Delhi Police submitted a comprehensive 1500-page charge sheet in this case.