Delhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Singh and Aide in Wrestlers' Sexual Harassment Case
A Delhi court on Monday (August 3, 2026) acquitted former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his aide Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar pronounced the judgment, clearing both accused.
According to Mr. Singh's counsel, Rajiv Mohan, the court observed that the "unexplained delay, inconsistencies, contradiction on major issues, and post-incident conduct of all complainants made their version highly unbelievable."
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Mr. Singh said: "On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers." He added that he would comment further after going through the court's reasoned order.
Public prosecutor Manish Rawat, however, said that after examining the detailed order, "appropriate action" would be taken before the higher courts. The prosecution can challenge the magisterial court's verdict before the Delhi High Court.
The case emerged from months-long protests in 2023 by renowned wrestlers including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat. They accused Mr. Singh, who was then president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), of sexually harassing several women grapplers, including a minor, between 2016 and 2019. The alleged incidents were said to have occurred at the WFI office, at Mr. Singh's official residence, and during trips abroad.
The protests prompted the Sports Ministry to form an oversight committee for an internal investigation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's intervention in May 2023 led the police to file an FIR against Mr. Singh. In June that year, a 1,000-page chargesheet was submitted to the Rouse Avenue court.
After a trial court framed charges of sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging the modesty of women against the former lawmaker, Mr. Singh approached the High Court, arguing that he had been falsely implicated and that no offence as alleged had been committed. He contended that the investigation was biased and only the complainants' version, who he claimed were interested in taking "revenge" on him, was considered.
In a related development in May 2025, a Delhi court accepted a closure report filed by the Delhi Police seeking to cancel the sexual harassment case filed by a wrestler who was a minor at the time of the complaint. The police had recommended cancellation, citing "no corroborative evidence".
Monday's acquittal marks a legal turning point in a case that triggered intense public debate and highlighted issues of safety and governance within Indian sports. While the trial court has cleared the accused, the prosecution's possible appeal means the matter could proceed to a higher court. The detailed judgment will be crucial in understanding the court's reasoning.
