Delhi Court Issues Notice on Women Wrestlers’ Appeal Against Brij Bhushan’s Acquittal
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh seeks responses from the former WFI chief, Vinod Tomar and the state
NEW DELHI, Sept 28: A Delhi court on Monday issued notices to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former assistant secretary Vinod Tomar and the Delhi government on an appeal challenging their acquittal in a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers.
The criminal appeal was filed on September 25 by four women wrestlers against the magistrate’s decision. The petition also challenges Tomar’s acquittal on the charge of criminal intimidation.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh issued the notices and scheduled the matter for further proceedings on October 9.
The appeal follows an August 3 order of the magisterial court, which acquitted Singh in a case brought by six women wrestlers. The court also acquitted Tomar.
The case relates to allegations of sexual harassment made against Singh by the wrestlers. The proceedings had attracted significant public attention following protests by prominent wrestlers seeking action on their allegations.
Among the complainants was Vinesh Phogat, a world championships medallist. The appeal filed by four of the wrestlers now seeks judicial consideration of their challenge to the acquittal order.
With notices issued to the respondents and the state, the matter will next come up before the court on October 9 for further proceedings.
