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In April last year, seven female wrestlers, one of whom was a minor, filed separate complaints of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against Singh at Connaught Place police station
The Rouse Avenue Court, on Tuesday, reserved the order on charge framing against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh in connection with the sexual harassment case involving female wrestlers. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot stated that the order required some final adjustments and would be issued on May 10.
Previously, the court had rejected Singh's request for further investigation and additional arguments on the charges. He claimed to have been out of India during the alleged incident. However, Singh and his co-accused Vinod Tomar were granted bail.
The Delhi Police argued against their defense, asserting that incidents occurring abroad fell under Delhi court jurisdiction. They contended that the alleged instances of sexual harassment by Singh, both abroad and in Delhi, constituted one offence.
Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sought to be acquitted, citing a delay in reporting the offence and discrepancies in the complainants' statements. Singh's counsel argued that despite the alleged incidents happening in 2012, they were not reported to the police until 2023.
In January, the Delhi Police urged the court to proceed with charges against the BJP MP and former WFI chief for alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers.
The police opposed the defendants' argument that some incidents occurred overseas and thus were outside Delhi court jurisdiction, concluding arguments on framing charges against Singh.
Background:
In April last year, 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 instructed 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.
Case Title: State Vs. Brij Bhushan Singh & Anr.
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