A decision regarding the acceptance of a police report seeking the cancellation of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a minor wrestler against former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is expected to be delivered by a Delhi court on May 20.
New Delhi: The court, originally scheduled to issue its ruling on Tuesday, stated that additional clarifications are needed in this matter.
During a closed-door session on August 1 last year, the minor wrestler informed the court that she was content with the Delhi Police’s investigation into the case and did not object to the closure report they had submitted.
On June 15, 2023, the Delhi Police submitted a report to the court requesting the dismissal of the case involving the girl. This action followed a surprising revelation by her father during the investigation, alleging that he had falsely accused Singh of sexual harassment as a means of retaliation for what he perceived as unfair treatment of his daughter.
The police suggested dismissing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case against Singh while bringing charges of sexual harassment and stalking in a different case filed based on complaints from six women wrestlers.
The police recommended that the complaint involving the minor wrestler be canceled, stating that “no corroborative evidence” discovered.
Despite the closure report, the court must decide whether to accept it or initiate further investigation.
The POCSO Act mandates a minimum imprisonment of three years, varying according to the sections under which an offense is registered. Despite the closure report, the court must decide whether to accept it or pursue additional investigation.
Singh consistently refuted the allegations.
Read Also:Brij Bhushan Gets Interim Bail Till July 20 In Sexual Harassment Case
On June 15, 2023, the police filed a chargesheet against Singh for offences under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking) and 506 (1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Previously, several wrestlers staged a protest over the authorities’ failure to act on the sexual harassment allegations against Singh. They also approached the Supreme Court for the registration of an FIR against Singh. The Supreme Court later informed by the Delhi Police that an FIR registered and the investigation underway.
A minor wrestler also accused Singh of sexual harassment. However, she later withdrew her complaint, leading to the Delhi Police filing a cancellation report in that case. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice in cases of sexual harassment, particularly in the world of sports.
The court proceedings on the framing of charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for, 20th May. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the sports community and the broader discourse on sexual harassment in India.