Former Wrestling Federation of India Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has petitioned the Delhi High Court for an expedited hearing regarding the dismissal of sexual harassment proceedings against him. This request comes as the trial involving serious allegations by several female wrestlers continues to unfold, with a hearing on his application scheduled for October 18, 2024.
Singh, also a former Member of Parliament, is vigorously contesting the accusations laid against him. The Delhi High Court, which previously issued notices to the state and police in response to Singh’s plea, had set the next hearing for January 13, 2025. However, Singh’s legal team, led by Advocate Rajiv Mohan and assisted by Advocates Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, argues that given the current pace of evidence presentation, which is expected to conclude by January, an earlier court date is crucial.
In his application, Singh asserts that the progression of prosecution evidence on a weekly basis necessitates a quicker resolution to prevent prolonged litigation and potential prejudicial outcomes. He is aiming to quash the FIR, the chargesheet, and the trial court’s framing of charges related to allegations of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women.
The seriousness of these charges was underscored when the trial court determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed against Singh, leading to a formal chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police, along with accusations against Vinod Tomar based on wrestler complaints.
This high-profile case has garnered extensive media attention, spotlighting not only Singh’s significant role in Indian wrestling but also the broader implications for women’s safety and rights in sports. The allegations and subsequent legal proceedings raise crucial questions about the treatment of women in sports and the mechanisms in place to protect them from harassment and abuse.
Legal analysts and critics emphasize that delays in such sensitive cases can equate to a denial of justice, advocating for swifter legal processes to uphold the integrity of the judicial system, especially in cases involving prominent figures.
