India
oi-Ashish Rana
Four Women Wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment have challenged his acquittal in the Rouse Avenue Court. This appeal has got against the 3 August, 2026 verdict that acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case.
Four women wrestlers have challenged the August 3, 2026 acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on sexual harassment charges in the Rouse Avenue Court, deeming the verdict legally unsustainable. The appeal is scheduled for hearing on September 26, 2026.
Now the appeal is scheduled to heard on Saturday, 26 September 2026, before special judge (MP-MLA Cases) Dig Vinay Singh on Saturday.
Wrestlers Question Trial Court Verdict
In their appeal to court, the complaints have asked that the trial court’s judgement was legally unsustainable and relied on some selective assessments of the evidence.
They have alleged that the court relied on “archaic and stereotypical assumptions” about how victims of sexual harassment and assault are expected to behave. The wrestlers have also claimed that the judgment was based on “conjectures and surmises” and did not properly apply established legal principles.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar had acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar after hearing arguments from the prosecution, complaints and defence. The verdict was delivered after in-camera proceedings.
Case Triggered Major Wrestlers’ Protest
The case dates back to 2023, when six women wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI chief. Their allegations led to major protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, involving prominent wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Singh and Tomar on April 28, 2023. Police later filed a 1,500-page chargesheet on June 15, 2023, alleging sexual harassment, assault and stalking. It referred to statements from at least 22 witnesses across four states.
Charges, Trial And August Acquittal
In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue court framed charges against Singh in connection with allegations made by five complainants. He was discharged in relation to another complaint, while Tomar faced a criminal intimidation charge linked to one complainant.
The trial began in June 2024 and continued for more than three years, with 127 hearings reported before the August 3 verdict. A total of 32 prosecution witnesses were examined.
The court ultimately acquitted Singh and Tomar. The detailed judgment raised concerns about inconsistencies in the complainants’ statements, while two complainants did not support the prosecution case during the trial.
The wrestlers have now approached the sessions court, seeking to challenge the acquittal. Senior advocate Rebecca John is representing the victims/complainants, while advocates Rajiv Mohan, Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati are representing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
