The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers. The verdict brings to a close, at the trial court level, one of India's most high-profile sporting and legal controversies that began in 2023.

Court Acquits Both Accused

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar pronounced the verdict acquitting both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of all charges. While the detailed judgment is awaited, the ruling marks the end of nearly three years of proceedings before the trial court.

The Case That Sparked Nationwide Protests

The controversy erupted in January 2023 when several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The allegations triggered massive protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia leading the agitation.

The wrestlers demanded Singh's arrest, his removal as WFI president and an independent investigation into the allegations. Their protest soon became a national issue, drawing support from athletes, political leaders and women's rights organisations across the country.

Supreme Court's Intervention

As the protests intensified, the wrestlers approached the Supreme Court, alleging delays in the registration of an FIR. Following the apex court's intervention, Delhi Police registered two FIRs against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in April 2023.

One FIR was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on allegations made by a minor wrestler, while the second was based on complaints filed by six adult women wrestlers.

POCSO Case Closed

The POCSO case was later closed after the minor complainant withdrew the allegations. Delhi Police filed a cancellation report, stating that no corroborative evidence was found after the complainant said the allegations had been made under pressure. The court later accepted the cancellation report, bringing that case to an end.

Chargesheet And Trial

Delhi Police later filed a chargesheet in the case involving the adult complainants, accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of offences including sexual harassment, stalking and outraging the modesty of women. Former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar was also named in the chargesheet.

Throughout the proceedings, Singh and Tomar denied all allegations, maintaining that the accusations were false and politically motivated. The trial was conducted through in-camera hearings.

WFI Row Deepened The Crisis

The controversy had a far-reaching impact on Indian wrestling. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports constituted an oversight committee headed by boxing legend M.C. Mary Kom to examine the allegations and oversee the functioning of the Wrestling Federation of India.

The federation remained under scrutiny for months, elections were delayed and administrative uncertainty affected national camps and the selection of wrestlers for international competitions. The controversy also sparked a wider debate on athlete safety, accountability in sports administration and women's rights in Indian sport.

Wrestlers Likely To Challenge Verdict

Following the acquittal, some of the complainants indicated that they would challenge the trial court's verdict before a higher court. Vinesh Phogat said the fight for justice was not over and that the legal battle would continue through the appellate process.

What Happens Next?

The acquittal marks a significant legal milestone in one of India's most closely followed sporting controversies. While the trial court has cleared Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of the charges, the complainants have the option of filing an appeal before a higher court. As a result, the case is likely to remain under legal and public scrutiny in the coming months.