Women wrestlers allege sexual harassment charges on WFI President : Supreme Court issues notice to Delhi Police
Today, the Supreme Court heard the petition moved by top wrestlers of the country seeking FIR registration against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India, (WFI) over alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers. The matter was presented before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on the complainants’ request. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal requested to protect the identity of the petitioners in this case. In this context, the Supreme Court ordered the redaction of the names of the seven women wrestlers and listed the matter for hearing on April 28, 2023. While giving the order, the bench said “There are serious allegations at the behest of professional wrestlers concerning sexual harassment. Issue notice returnable on Friday.”
International Indian wrestlers including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar said on April 24 that they would not leave the protest site till FIR is registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Earlier in January this year, the protest was called off after the Sports Ministry’s assurance to take action related to the matter. In this context, Vinesh Phogat said “We will not believe anyone blindly. Last time we were misled. We hope this time there is no politics in this case.” During the proceedings, the top Court directed sealed cover complaints to be resealed and placed under the petition. Advocate also stated that “Even the police persons can be prosecuted for not registering an offence of this nature…Now there is also an amendment to CrPC, Section 166A which allows the police to also be prosecuted if the case is not registered.” Moreover, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is supporting the wrestlers through his newly launched platform to fight against injustice, “Insaaf Ke Sipahi”.
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