Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has summoned a key witness in the women wrestlers’ protest case for testimony on November 14, 2023. The witness, who was abroad for a wrestling championship, is also a complainant in the case. Meanwhile, the court granted accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh permission to renew his passport amid ongoing proceedings.
New Delhi: In a significant development in the women wrestlers’ protest case, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, led by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Vaibhav Chaurasia, has issued a summons for the primary witness and victim to record her evidence on November 14, 2023. This witness played a central role in the January 2023 women wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar and is also one of the complainants in the ongoing case.
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The court observed that the witness had not appeared previously due to her participation in a wrestling championship abroad. With her absence lasting two months, her testimony is now crucial for the case’s progress. Defense counsel Rajiv Mohan argued against the summons, stating, “this witness should not be summoned as she is the author of the FIR.” However, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava, representing the Delhi Police, contended that it is the prosecution’s duty to produce her for examination, underscoring the necessity of her statement in this high-profile matter.
In related updates, two victims engaged new legal representation, with an advocate recently filing a vakalatnama (legal document authorizing representation) on their behalf. This change in counsel comes as the Delhi Police, on October 19, decided to drop Coach Jagbeer Singh as a witness in the case. The reasoning behind this decision remains undisclosed, but it adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing proceedings.
Meanwhile, the court has approved Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s request to renew his passport for a period of one year. Singh, the accused in the case, filed an application for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to facilitate his passport renewal. Previously holding a diplomatic passport during his tenure as an MP, Singh now seeks a standard passport for future travel. His application sparked interest due to the sensitive nature of the charges he faces and the broader implications for the wrestling community and public figures involved in the controversy.
The November 14 examination date is expected to be pivotal, as the testimony of the primary witness and complainant may significantly influence the case’s trajectory. The court’s focus remains on ensuring a fair trial and adherence to judicial process, with Judge Chaurasia committed to addressing all claims and evidence thoroughly.
This case highlights critical issues of judicial transparency, accountability, and the broader challenges faced by victims in high-stakes public protests and allegations of misconduct. The Delhi Court’s commitment to examining all evidence and securing witness statements reflects the seriousness with which it is handling this complex case.
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