- Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted Monday by a Delhi court in a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers.
- The Rouse Avenue Court pronounced the order at 10.30 am.
- Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar were named in the FIR filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
- After almost two years of in-camera proceedings, the court acquitted both accused due to inconsistencies and contradictions in the complainants' testimonies.
- Following his acquittal, Singh stated, "I am very happy and so are my people".
- In January 2023, wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia protested at Jantar Mantar accusing Singh of sexual harassment.
- The protests were called off that month after the government promised to create an oversight committee to investigate the allegations.
- On April 28, the Delhi Police filed FIRs naming Singh and Tomar based on complaints from seven complainants, including a minor.
- A 1500-page charge sheet was filed by the Delhi Police on June 15, 2023 after completing its investigation.
- In May 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh while discharging him in relation to one complainant.
- The POCSO case against Singh was closed in May 2025 after the minor complainant's father sought withdrawal.
- World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat stated that the women wrestlers will appeal against the court's decision to acquit Singh.
- Phogat expressed sadness over the court's decision, stating, "We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty".
- Singh claimed the court verdict was a "victory of the junior players" and suggested that "Olympians can lie for their own interests".
- Due to political pressure, Singh was denied a ticket to defend his Lok Sabha seat in 2024, with the BJP fielding his son instead.
A Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, in a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The ruling, delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar, followed nearly two years of in-camera proceedings.1
Singh was accused of multiple offenses under the Indian Penal Code, including sexual harassment and stalking. The court found the testimonies of the complainants inconsistent, with Singh's lawyer arguing that some witnesses changed key details regarding dates and locations of the alleged incidents.
The case gained national attention in January 2023 when prominent wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested against Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation. Following their protests, the Delhi Police filed two FIRs against Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, based on complaints from seven women, including a minor.3481014
Despite the acquittal, Vinesh Phogat expressed disappointment, stating, “We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual violence made by the women wrestlers.” Phogat confirmed that the wrestlers would appeal the decision, emphasizing their commitment to continue fighting against Singh.
Singh, on the other hand, celebrated the verdict, claiming it was a “victory of the junior players” and suggested that “Olympians can lie for their own interests.” The case has raised questions about the treatment of women in sports and the influence of powerful political figures.
“Vinesh Phogat said the wrestlers have instructed lawyers to appeal and "will continue their fight," adding that the administration, government and system have been engaged in protecting Singh. The BJP denied Singh a 2024 ticket to defend Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj seat, fielding his son Karan Bhushan Singh, who won.”
