Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court Grants Bail to BJP MP and WFI Chief in Sexual Harassment Case

| 20 July 2023

Delhi's Rouse Avenue court has granted bail to BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case filed by top women wrestlers of the country. The court's decision came on Thursday and was passed by special MP MLA Judge Harjeet Singh Jaspal.

According to the court order, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is now released on bail but with certain conditions. He is not allowed to leave the country without prior permission, and he must not engage in any direct or indirect threats against the individuals who filed the case against him.

The court's verdict also extends to Vinod Tomar, the former additional secretary of WFI, who was closely associated with the WFI president and responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the wrestling body. Vinod Tomar was suspended by the Union Sports Ministry in January of this year after a meeting with the protesting wrestlers and has now been granted bail.

Both Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar were granted bail upon providing a personal bail bond of Rs 25,000 each.

The sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh involved allegations made by several top women wrestlers in the country, including prominent Olympians such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. The wrestlers had accused Singh of inappropriate touching, including placing his hand over the chest of girls, moving his hand from the chest to the back, and chasing them, among other charges.

The allegations led to a prolonged protest by the athletes, spanning over five months, until a chargesheet was finally filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in June. Following the chargesheet filing, the protesting wrestlers called off their demonstration.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had been granted a two-day interim bail. During that time, he expressed dissatisfaction with the chargesheet being reported verbatim and raised concerns about a perceived media trial in court.

The court's decision to grant bail has sparked discussions about the ongoing case and the importance of ensuring a fair legal process for all parties involved. The athletes who filed the case are now closely watching how the proceedings will unfold and whether justice will be served.

It remains to be seen how the case will progress in the coming days, as both the accused and the complainants brace for a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the world of Indian wrestling and sports governance.

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the available reports and court proceedings up to the date of publication. Any developments after this date may not be covered in this report.*