The Delhi High Court on Thursday clarified that there is no stay on the trial proceedings in the sexual harassment case filed against former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by multiple women wrestlers.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made the observation while hearing Singh’s petition seeking the quashing of the FIR and charges framed against him by the trial court. The matter was adjourned to April 21 after Singh’s counsel sought time, citing the unavailability of the main arguing lawyer. The court also directed that the trial court record be placed before it on the next date.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the repeated delays, Justice Sharma asked the counsel, “Why are you not arguing this? Since you have filed it, this matter has not been argued even once.” Singh’s lawyer assured that the matter would be argued on the next date of hearing.
The court further clarified, “There is no stay… It is clarified there is no stay of proceedings before the trial court,” dispelling any confusion regarding the status of the trial.
Singh moved the high court in 2024, contending that the case against him was politically motivated and based on false allegations. He alleged that the investigation was biased, relying solely on the statements of the complainants without objective scrutiny. The Delhi Police had registered the FIR in May 2023, following the intervention of the Supreme Court amid growing pressure from the wrestling community and public protests.
On May 21, 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh under provisions related to sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and outraging the modesty of women. Co-accused Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of the WFI, also faces a charge of criminal intimidation.
The case had sparked a national outcry and led to months-long protests by wrestlers demanding justice. The trial proceedings are currently ongoing at the trial court level.
