Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Case: Women Wrestlers Challenge Acquittal, Appeal Hearing on September 26
The women wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of harassment have officially challenged his recent acquittal before a Delhi court.
Four women wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in a S*xual harassment case. The appeal against the August 3 judgment will come up before Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh at the Rouse Avenue Courts in Delhi on Saturday, September 26, according to a report.
Wrestlers Challenge August 3 Verdict
The wrestlers have challenged the order passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar, which acquitted Singh and Tomar after in-camera proceedings. In their appeal, the petitioners have argued that the trial court's decision was legally unsustainable and based on an erroneous and selective assessment of the evidence presented during the proceedings. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Cleared in POCSO Case as Delhi Court Accepts Police Closure Report.
The appeal also alleges that the judgment relied on “archaic and stereotypical assumptions” about the expected behaviour of victims of S*xual assault and harassment. The wrestlers have argued that the evidence should instead have been assessed in the context of the circumstances of the complainants.
Dispute Over Assessment of Evidence
The appeal contends that the trial court relied on what the petitioners describe as conjectures and surmises and did not properly apply established legal principles governing the assessment of evidence. The wrestlers have particularly challenged the reasoning concerning delays in making complaints, their continued professional interactions with Singh and inconsistencies in accounts of certain incidents.
The petitioners have argued that such circumstances should not have been assessed through assumptions about how a victim is expected to respond or behave. Brij Bhushan Singh Rejects CM Yogi Adityanath’s Claim, Says Namaz Was Never Offered at Hanumangarhi (Watch Video).
What the Trial Court Said
The August 3 judgment cited inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence while acquitting Singh and Tomar. The court also referred to the continued cordial relations between some complainants and Singh after the alleged incidents, including photographs showing Singh being invited to family functions and wedding ceremonies.
The trial court had said that while concerns about the impact of a complaint on the wrestlers' careers could explain some reluctance to come forward, it questioned why cordial relations with Singh continued for years. The wrestlers have challenged this reasoning in their appeal. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Cleared in POCSO Case as Delhi Court Accepts Police Closure Report.
Case Stems From 2023 Protests
The case dates back to 2023, when several prominent Indian wrestlers publicly accused Singh, who was then WFI president, of S*xual harassment. The allegations led to protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and a subsequent Delhi Police investigation. Police filed a chargesheet against Singh and Tomar in June 2023 under provisions including Sections 354, 354A, 354D and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
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 the complaint of another woman wrestler, while Tomar faced a charge of criminal intimidation in connection with one complainant.
Trial Lasted More Than Three Years
The trial continued for more than three years and involved 127 hearings, according to court reporting. On August 3, the trial court acquitted Singh and Tomar after considering arguments from the prosecution, complainants and the accused. The fresh appeal now places the trial court's findings before the sessions court for consideration.
Appeal Hearing on September 26
The challenge is scheduled to be heard on Saturday by Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh at the Rouse Avenue Courts. The court will consider the grounds raised by the four wrestlers against the August 3 acquittal order. The appeal also challenges Tomar's acquittal. The proceedings will determine the next stage of the legal challenge to the trial court's judgment.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 04:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
