What’s Next for Wrestlers After Court Adjourns Appeal Against Brij Bhushan's Acquittal?

Court Delays Hearing on Wrestlers' Appeal

New Delhi: A Delhi court has postponed the hearing on September 28 regarding an appeal from four female wrestlers who are contesting the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and Vinod Tomar, the former Assistant Secretary, in a case involving allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation.

The appeal was scheduled for discussion at the Rouse Avenue Courts but could not proceed due to the absence of Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh. The hearing has now been rescheduled for Monday.

The wrestlers are challenging the trial court's decision from August 3, which cleared Singh and Tomar of charges, stating that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof required.

In their appeal, the wrestlers argue that the trial court's ruling is legally unsound and that the evidence was misinterpreted.

Additionally, they seek to reverse Tomar's acquittal concerning allegations of criminal intimidation under Section 506 Part I of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) made by one of the complainants.

This case originated in January 2023 when several wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested at Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and intimidation.

The wrestlers demanded Brij Bhushan's resignation from his position as WFI chief and called for the federation's dissolution.

Following a complaint to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha, an inquiry committee was formed, which included notable athletes like Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt.

The WFI, however, denied all allegations against its president and coaches.

In response to the controversy, the Union Sports Ministry suspended the WFI's operations and sidelined Vinod Tomar.

Criminal proceedings accelerated in May 2024 when the Rouse Avenue Court initiated charges against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar.

The trial court determined there was enough evidence to proceed with charges related to sexual harassment and the violation of the modesty of five female wrestlers.

Brij Bhushan has maintained his innocence throughout the trial and even sought to have the FIR, chargesheet, and criminal proceedings dismissed by the Delhi High Court.

This case is separate from a POCSO case filed by a minor wrestler against Brij Bhushan.

In May 2025, a Delhi court accepted the cancellation report from the Delhi Police in that case, citing a lack of corroborative evidence.

The complainant and her father did not oppose this cancellation report.

After Brij Bhushan's acquittal, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia expressed their disappointment and announced plans to appeal the decision in a higher court.

In a statement on X, they emphasized that their legal battle was ongoing and instructed their legal team to file an appeal.

They expressed deep sadness over the court's failure to convict Brij Bhushan on the sexual harassment allegations.

Conversely, BJP leader Brij Bhushan welcomed the acquittal, labeling it a 'victory for junior players.'

In comments made to a news agency following the verdict, Singh stated, 'This is not my victory. This is the victory of junior players. The junior players have won. And this case has proved that even Olympians and Olympic medal winners can lie for their own interests.'

He previously described the verdict as a 'moment of happiness' for himself and his supporters, asserting he would have accepted the court's decision even if found guilty.