Patna: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed on the basis of complaints by several female wrestlers. The court held that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to prove the charges, leading to his acquittal.
The detailed judgment is yet to be released. It is expected to explain the court’s reasoning and the evidentiary grounds on which the prosecution’s case was found insufficient.
Case Originated From 2023 Complaints
The case arose in 2023 after several female wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and misconduct. Following an investigation, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet before the court.
Singh was granted regular bail on July 20, 2023. On May 10, 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against him based on the police charge sheet, after which the trial commenced.
Court Finds Evidence Insufficient
While delivering its verdict, the court concluded that the prosecution had not produced enough evidence to substantiate the allegations beyond the required legal standard. As a result, Singh was acquitted of all charges in the case.
The court’s detailed order, once released, is expected to provide a fuller explanation of its assessment of the evidence and the reasons for the acquittal.
Brij Bhushan Says ‘Truth Has Prevailed’
Reacting to the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the outcome reaffirmed what he had maintained throughout the proceedings. He said he had complete faith in the judiciary and that the judgment vindicated his consistent claim of innocence.
He added that he was satisfied with the verdict and stated that “truth has prevailed.”
Defence Awaits Detailed Judgment
Singh’s lawyer said the defence would comment further after examining the court’s detailed order. According to the lawyer, the defence had consistently argued that the complainants’ statements contained contradictions and that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish the allegations.
The lawyer said the legal reasoning behind the verdict would become clearer once the detailed judgment is made public.
Case Drew National Attention
The allegations became a major national issue in 2023 when several prominent female wrestlers staged protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The demonstrations prompted widespread debate over athlete safety, governance in Indian sports, and mechanisms for addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
The Delhi Police subsequently investigated the allegations and filed its report before the court.
What Comes Next
Legal attention is now focused on the court’s detailed order, which will set out the basis for the acquittal and explain how the evidence was evaluated.
The judgment may also influence any future legal steps available to the complainants after the detailed order is examined. The verdict has meanwhile prompted reactions across political and sporting circles.
