Wrestlers Challenge Court Acquittal
Wrestlers Appeal Acquittal of Former Wrestling Chief in Sexual Harassment Case
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Key Points
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In May 2024, charges were framed against Singh in relation to allegations by five complainants, while he was discharged over a sixth complainant’s allegations; Tomar faced a criminal-intimidation charge relating to one complainant.
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The trial court noted that photographs showed Singh had been invited to some complainants’ family functions and weddings. It said it could understand their alleged concern that he might damage their careers, but questioned why they had maintained cordial relations with him for years.
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The trial lasted more than three years and involved 127 hearings; the acquittals followed in-camera proceedings.
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The magistrate acquitted Singh of charges under IPC Sections 354, 354A and 506(Part-I), finding the prosecution had not established the allegations against him beyond reasonable doubt.
Four women wrestlers have appealed the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case, arguing the trial court misread the evidence. Free Press Journal reported the appeal claims the August 3 ruling selectively assessed facts and relied on conjecture rather than established legal principles. A Delhi court is scheduled to hear the challenge on September 26.
The case stems from complaints filed during Singh's tenure as WFI chief, which sparked major wrestler protests in 2023. Daily Pioneer noted the magistrate acquitted Singh of sexual harassment charges, finding the prosecution had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The three-year trial included 127 hearings and testimony from multiple complainants.
Trial Court Cited Delayed Reporting and Cordial Relations
The magistrate's August decision focused on why the women continued normal interactions with Singh despite alleged harassment. The court noted photographs showed Singh was invited to some complainants' family weddings and functions. Daily Hunt reported the judge questioned why they maintained cordial relations with him for years if they felt genuinely threatened by his conduct.
The trial court also cited inconsistencies in testimony and delayed reporting as reasons for acquittal. The magistrate acknowledged the women's concern that Singh might damage their wrestling careers. However, the court found this explanation insufficient to overcome the doubts raised by their behavior and the timeline of their complaints.
Wrestlers Argue Victim Behavior Cannot Be Stereotyped
The appeal challenges what the wrestlers describe as stereotypical expectations of how harassment victims should act. The Observer Post reported the plea argues the trial court applied outdated assumptions about victim behavior rather than modern legal principles. The women contend that delayed reporting and maintaining professional relationships do not prove consent or false allegations.
The wrestlers' legal team claims the magistrate failed to properly weigh the evidence presented during 127 hearings. They argue the selective interpretation of testimony and photographs misrepresented the actual dynamics of power and intimidation present between the accusers and the former WFI chief during his time in authority.
Multiple Charges and Co-Accused Against Tomar
Singh faced charges under Indian Penal Code sections 354 (assault), 354A (sexual harassment), and 506 (criminal intimidation) relating to five complainants. A sixth complainant's allegations resulted in Singh's discharge from those charges. Co-accused Vinod Tomar, the former WFO assistant secretary, faced a criminal-intimidation charge relating to one complainant.
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