Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Requests Delhi High Court to Quash All Criminal Proceedings, Including Sexual Assault Charges by Women Wrestlers
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 5:05PM GMT Thurs, 29August, 2024
Former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to quash all criminal proceedings against him, including the FIR and chargesheet alleging sexual assault on women wrestlers. Singh’s petition also requests the quashing of charges framed by a Delhi trial court earlier this year.
Singh’s legal team argues that the criminal charges lack substantial evidence and that the allegations were fabricated to malign his reputation. The petition is set for a hearing before Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on Thursday.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2023 when allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and stalking were leveled against Singh by six women wrestlers during his tenure as WFI Chief. The Delhi Police filed a comprehensive 1,500-page chargesheet against him in June 2023, which included statements from 22 witnesses spanning four states. Among those who testified were wrestlers, a referee, a coach, and a physiotherapist.
In May 2024, a Delhi trial court framed charges against Singh under sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty of a woman) and 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite this, Singh has consistently pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence and claiming that the charges are politically motivated.
Legal Proceedings and Developments
The trial in the case officially commenced in July 2024, more than a year after the chargesheet was filed. Singh’s defense is now challenging the legitimacy of the FIR and subsequent charges, contending that there were procedural lapses during the investigation and that key testimonies lack credibility. The defense also highlighted the absence of direct evidence linking Singh to the alleged crimes.
If the Delhi High Court decides in Singh’s favor, it could mark a significant turn in this high-profile case, which has attracted substantial media and public attention, especially given the involvement of female athletes and the sports community’s call for justice.
Potential Implications
The case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has had far-reaching implications not only for his political career but also for the governance of sports bodies in India. Wrestling and sports federations have come under scrutiny for their handling of sexual harassment complaints, and Singh’s case is considered a litmus test for reforms within these organizations.
Women’s rights activists and supporters of the wrestlers have been vocal about ensuring a fair trial and accountability for those accused of such serious crimes. The outcome of Singh’s petition will be closely watched by both political observers and the sporting community.
What’s Next?
The Delhi High Court’s decision on whether to quash the charges will be pivotal in determining the course of this legal battle. Should the proceedings be quashed, it may result in a significant backlash from those advocating for justice and stricter regulations in sports administration. Conversely, if the court decides to uphold the charges, Singh will have to continue facing the trial, and it could reinforce efforts to improve the system’s transparency and accountability.
For more information on the developments in this case, refer to Delhi High Court’s latest orders on criminal cases.
