Delhi Court Issues Notice On Wrestlers’ Appeal Challenging Brij Bhushan Singh’s Acquittal

A Delhi court on Monday issued notice on an appeal filed by four women wrestlers challenging the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.

The appeal, filed on September 25, also challenges the acquittal of former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on the charge of criminal intimidation.

Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh issued notice to Singh, Tomar and the State and posted the matter for further proceedings on October 9.

The appeal arises from the August 3 order of a magisterial court, which acquitted Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers, including World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat. Tomar was also acquitted in the case.

The wrestlers have contended in their appeal that the acquittal was unsustainable in law and was based on what they described as a "manifestly erroneous and selective appreciation" of the evidence on record.

The plea further alleged that the magisterial court had proceeded on conjectures and surmises and had failed to apply "binding and well-settled principles of law".

According to the appeal, a substantial part of the magisterial court's reasoning was based on what the wrestlers characterised as archaic and stereotypical assumptions about the expected conduct of victims of sexual assault and harassment. The appellants have argued that the evidence should instead have been assessed fairly and in light of the circumstances of the alleged victims.

The appeal seeks interference with the acquittal order and challenges the findings recorded by the magisterial court in the case.

The case stemmed from allegations levelled by six women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as the Wrestling Federation of India chief. The prosecution and defence had completed their final submissions before the trial court last month. With the verdict, the trial court has acquitted both accused of the charges levelled against them.

Notably, on July 2, the Court had reserved its verdict in the criminal case against the former WFI chief. The Rouse Avenue Courts reserved the matter after concluding final arguments advanced by the prosecution, the complainants, and the accused. The proceedings were conducted in camera. The court is scheduled to pronounce its judgment on August 3.

Senior Advocate Rebecca John had appeared on behalf of the women wrestlers, while Advocate Rajiv Mohan represented Brij Bhushan Singh.

The court had framed charges against Singh in May 2024 under provisions relating to sexual harassment. However, he was discharged in relation to the allegations made by one of the complainants (Victim No. 6). Co-accused Vinod Tomar, former Assistant Secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India, was charged only under Section 506 Part I (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code concerning one complainant, while he was discharged of the remaining allegations.

Earlier in the proceedings, the trial court had dismissed Singh's plea seeking further investigation and permission to make additional submissions at the stage of framing of charges. Singh had contended that he was not present in India on one of the dates when an alleged incident took place.

Both Singh and Tomar are currently out on bail.

The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Tomar was additionally booked under Section 109 (abetment) of the IPC.

The allegations stem from complaints made by several women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment between 2016 and 2019 at the Wrestling Federation of India office, his official residence, and during overseas events.

Separately, the Delhi Police had filed a cancellation report in the POCSO case registered against Singh based on allegations made by a minor wrestler.

With the trial now concluded, the court will determine on August 3 whether Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar are to be convicted or acquitted in the case.

Background of the Case

In April 2023, seven wrestlers approached the Supreme Court to file an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. A bench led by CJI Chandrachud issued a notice to the NCT of Delhi in response to the plea. The Apex Court allowed the petitioners to submit additional documents in a sealed cover.

The top court had directed the Commissioner of Police (Delhi) to assess the threat level concerning the alleged minor victim in the Wrestling Foundation of India (WFI) sexual harassment case and take necessary security measures accordingly.

On June 15, 2023 the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Singh under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506 of the IPC. His co-accused Vinod Tomar was charged under Sections 109, 354, 354A, and 506 of the IPC.

Bench: Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh

Hearing Date: September 28, 2026

Tags: