Supreme Court Issues Notice to Delhi Police Over Wrestlers’ Allegations of Sexual Harassment

25-04-2023 : On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police following a petition filed by seven Indian wrestlers seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Brij Bhushan Saran, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, accused Saran of sexually harassing women wrestlers, including a minor who had represented India in international sporting events. The Chief Justice of India, Dr Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chadrachud, noted the serious allegations in the petition and assured the sportspersons of a hearing. The identity of the petitioners was redacted to protect their privacy, and the court issued a notice to the Delhi Police, returnable on Friday. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the wrestlers, argued that the police could also be prosecuted for not registering an FIR in a case of this nature.