Published Sep 25, 2026 | 2:28 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2026 | 2:28 PM
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Synopsis: The appeal contends that the impugned order proceeds on conjectures and surmises, fails to apply binding and well-settled principles of law, and, in material part, rests its reasoning on “archaic and stereotypical assumptions” about the “expected” behaviour of victims of sexual assault and harassment, rather than on a fair, evidence-based assessment after taking into account the circumstances of the victims.
Nearly two months after BJP leader and the ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted in the sexual harassment case filed against him by women wrestlers, four of them have moved the Delhi Court challenging the acquittal.
According to a LiveLaw report, the wrestlers, in their appeal, have also challenged the acquittal of co accused Vinod Tomar in the case.
The wrestlers have challenged the order passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) on August 03, arguing that it is unsustainable in law and is founded on a manifestly erroneous and selective appreciation of the evidence on record.
The matter will be heard on Saturday, 26 September, by Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts.
Livelaw further reported that the appeal contends that the impugned order proceeds on conjectures and surmises, fails to apply binding and well-settled principles of law, and, in material part, rests its reasoning on “archaic and stereotypical assumptions” about the “expected” behaviour of victims of sexual assault and harassment, rather than on a fair, evidence-based assessment after taking into account the circumstances of the victims.
Vide the impugned order, the ACJM had cited victims’ prolonged silence, continued cordial relations with the accused, and contradictions in testimony as circumstances that created reasonable doubt about the prosecution case.
It was observed that there were many photographs on record to show that Singh was even invited to family functions and wedding ceremonies by the victims.
The Court had also said that it was understandable, as alleged, that Singh, being the then WFI President, would have spoiled the careers of the women wrestlers if they had made a complaint against him; however, it was not at all understandable as to why cordial relations were maintained by them with him for years.
The case dates back more than three years.
Women wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, had taken to the streets demanding justice in January 2023 in protests that drew international attention.
During the agitation, Olympic silver medal winner Sakshi Malik had spoken of how junior female wrestlers attempted to file a complaint of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan at a police station in Uttar Pradesh in 2012 only to find that “the case disappeared within 24 hours”. Malik had also alleged that there was “a systematic attempt by the government to silence our complaints” then.
Two FIRs filed on April 28, 2023, by the Delhi Police listed at least “10 episodes of inappropriate touching, molestation that includes running hands over breasts, touching the navel; several instances of intimidation including stalking”, according to a report in The Indian Express.
The Delhi Police’s 1500-page chargesheet against Brij Bhushan on June 15, 2023 led to the court framing charges under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code on May 21, 2024.
The women had said that the sexual harassment took place between 2016 and 2019 at locations including the WFI office, Brij Bhushan’s official residence and during overseas trips.
Brij Bhushan, a six-time MP, was denied a ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from his stronghold of Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh following allegations against him. His son Karan Bhushan Singh currently represents the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party from the seat.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
