Vinesh Phogat to Challenge Brij Bhushan's Acquittal in Court: Legal Battle Continues
New Delhi: Congress MLA and wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced that she and fellow women wrestlers will challenge the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.
The wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to file an appeal against the trial court verdict, asserting that their legal battle is far from over. The announcement comes days after a Delhi court acquitted Singh of all charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
Phogat, who is currently serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Julana in Haryana, stated that the decision to appeal reflects their determination to seek justice through the legal system. "We have full faith in the judiciary. The fight for justice will continue," she told reporters.
The case dates back to January 2023, when several prominent women wrestlers, including Phogat, accused Singh of sexual harassment, intimidation, and abuse of authority during his tenure as WFI chief. The allegations sparked widespread protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with the wrestlers demanding his arrest and resignation.
Following the protests, the Delhi Police registered a First Information Report against Singh under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including provisions related to sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. However, the trial court, after hearing testimony from witnesses and examining evidence, found the charges not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
In its judgment, the court observed that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused, leading to his acquittal on all counts. The verdict was met with disappointment by the wrestlers and their supporters, who have consistently maintained that the allegations were serious and required a thorough investigation.
Legal experts say that an appeal against acquittal is permissible under the Criminal Procedure Code. The prosecution or the complainant can challenge the verdict before a higher court, generally on grounds of errors in legal interpretation or appreciation of evidence.
Phogat and her legal team are now preparing to file an appeal in the Delhi High Court, arguing that the trial court overlooked key testimonies and documentary evidence. The appeal is expected to be filed within the statutory limitation period.
Reacting to the development, Singh's legal representatives reiterated that the acquittal was based on merit and that the former WFI chief would defend himself against any fresh legal proceedings. They expressed confidence that the higher court would uphold the trial court's findings.
This case has been closely watched as a landmark moment for #MeToo in Indian sports. The wrestlers' protest received support from international athletes, human rights organisations, and political leaders across the spectrum. The Supreme Court had also intervened, asking the Delhi Police to consider additional complaints.
Phogat, who is also an Olympic wrestler and a Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee, has maintained that the appeal is not just for herself but for all women who face harassment in sports establishments. "This is about the safety and dignity of every sportsperson," she said.
Meanwhile, the Wrestling Federation of India has undergone leadership changes since the allegations surfaced. Singh stepped down as president in the wake of the protests, and an ad-hoc committee was appointed by the sports ministry to manage the federation's affairs.
The appeal will now test the legal and evidentiary framework surrounding the case. As the matter moves to the higher court, both parties are expected to present detailed arguments. The court will determine whether the trial court's reasoning was legally sound and whether any miscarriage of justice has occurred.
Legal observers note that the appeal must be founded on specific legal grounds rather than a mere disagreement with the verdict. The burden lies on the appellants to demonstrate that the lower court erred materially in its findings.
For Vinesh Phogat, the legal challenge is the latest chapter in a prolonged struggle that has blurred the lines between sport, law, and activism. Her move to contest elections and win a legislative seat underscores the political dimension that the case has acquired. However, she has consistently framed the battle as one for institutional accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, the public will watch closely how the courts balance the rights of the accused with the principles of a fair trial. The outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for future cases involving allegations of misconduct in sports bodies.
Both parties have been advised to maintain restraint and allow the judicial process to proceed without prejudice. The case is likely to be heard in the coming weeks, following the filing of the appeal.
