24-04-2023 : Top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, have approached the Supreme Court seeking the registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), for allegations of sexual misconduct and intimidation. The wrestlers have urged the court to direct the Delhi police to lodge the FIR, citing inordinate delays in taking action. The plea was mentioned before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud by senior advocate Narendra Hooda, who was asked to mention the matter again as it was not listed for the day. The wrestlers are expected to approach the court again for an urgent hearing.
Earlier, the government had formed a five-member oversight committee headed by boxer Mary Kom to probe into the allegations against the WFI and its chief Singh, as well as other coaches. Delhi Police has sought a report from the investigation committee set up by the Union Sports Ministry and has initiated a probe into the fresh complaint by the wrestlers. The wrestlers had filed a complaint at the Connaught Place police station, stating that seven female wrestlers, including one minor, were harassed and exploited by Brij Bhushan in his capacity as WFI chief.
Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia, who is part of the protest, has stated that all parties are welcome to join them and they will not back down until action is taken against Brij Bhushan, who is also a BJP MP. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to Delhi Police to register an FIR on the issue. In January, top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik, had held a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the removal of Brij Bhushan from his position and disbanding of the Wrestling Federation of India, accusing the body and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers.