Wrestlers appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal in Delhi court

Women wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment have lodged an appeal against his August 3 acquittal, scheduled for a hearing on Saturday before Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh in New Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court. The petition contends that the trial court’s ruling was legally unsound, selectively weighed evidence, and rested on “archaic and stereotypical” views of victim behavior.

The case originated from complaints filed during Singh’s tenure, prompting protests at Jantar Mantar in 2023 and a Delhi Police chargesheet in June 2023 under IPC sections 354, 354A, 354D and 506. After charges were framed in May 2024, the trial spanned more than three years with 127 hearings before the court acquitted Singh and former assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. Senior advocate Rebecca John represents the complainants, while Rajiv Mohan, assisted by Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, defends Singh. The appeal will now be considered by the sessions court.