Women wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan Singh's acquittal, cite 'stereotypical' assumptions
Four women wrestlers have approached a Delhi court challenging the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case.
The appeal against the trial court's verdict of August 3, 2026, is likely to be heard on Saturday, September 26, 2026, by Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court.
Last month, the trial court acquitted both accused, recording that there were "significant" inconsistencies in the complainants' accounts regarding the dates, years and locations of the alleged incidents of sexual harassment. No finding of guilt was recorded against either accused.
In their appeal, the wrestlers contend that the trial court's decision did not apply binding and well-settled principles of law. They argue that the ruling rests on "archaic and stereotypical assumptions" about how victims of sexual harassment and assault are expected to behave. The application also submits that the trial court gave weight to minor inconsistencies while overlooking the broader evidence placed before it.
How the case unfolded
The matter came into public attention after wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat, held protests in New Delhi for several months in 2023, demanding the arrest of Mr. Singh over allegations of sexual harassment involving several women wrestlers, one of whom was a minor at the time.
According to the complainants, the alleged incidents occurred between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, Mr. Singh's official residence, and during international tours.
In response to the protests, the Union Sports Ministry constituted an oversight committee to look into the allegations. Following the intervention of the Supreme Court, the Delhi Police registered a first information report (FIR) against Mr. Singh in May 2023.
The police subsequently filed a chargesheet running over 1,000 pages before the Rouse Avenue Court in June 2023. The charges included offences under Sections 354, 354A, 354D and 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which relate to assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation, respectively.
On May 10, 2024, the trial court formally framed charges against Mr. Singh under Sections 354 and 354A of the IPC in connection with allegations made by five women wrestlers. The court also found sufficient grounds to frame charges under Section 506(1) in relation to the complaints of two wrestlers.
Separate POCSO case closed
A separate case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following a complaint by a minor wrestler. After the complainant withdrew her allegations and revised her statement, the Delhi Police submitted a closure report. The court accepted the report, bringing proceedings in that case to an end.
What happens next
Indian law allows a victim or complainant to appeal against an order of acquittal, and such an appeal is decided on the material already on record along with any additional grounds the appellate court permits. The hearing on Saturday is expected to be an initial one, at which the court may take up the appeal for admission and issue notice to the respondents. The appeal does not, by itself, alter the acquittal, which stands until a higher court sets it aside. The proceedings in the trial court concluded in favour of both accused, who remain not guilty in the eyes of the law unless the appellate court decides otherwise.
