The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): A Delhi court has deferred its verdict on whether to press charges against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The decision, now scheduled for April 18, relates to allegations of sexual harassment lodged by six female wrestlers.
The accusations against Singh include incidents reported to have occurred both in India and abroad, which his defense argues fall outside the jurisdiction of Delhi courts. However, Delhi Police have countered this claim, asserting that all incidents are part of a continuous offence that includes actions taken within Delhi, thus maintaining the court’s authority to adjudicate.
In defense motions earlier this year, Singh sought dismissal of the charges, citing delays in the reporting of the incidents and alleged inconsistencies in the statements of the complainants. His legal team emphasized discrepancies in the timing and locations detailed by the accusers, suggesting these undermine the credibility of the charges.
During the hearings, Delhi Police advocated for proceeding to trial, highlighting sufficient evidence that links the overseas and domestic allegations as components of the same pattern of misconduct. The court’s upcoming decision will determine whether the case against Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar will move forward to trial.
This case has drawn significant attention, spotlighting issues of accountability and misconduct within sports federations, and is part of a broader call for systemic reform in how such allegations are handled in India.