The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, expressed doubts about the plea of the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, regarding discharge of the charges accusing him of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Passing the order, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, heading the bench, observed that the very act of framing charges in the criminal proceeding should have been challenged long before the commencement of trial. She said at such a belated stage, the plea may also amount to indirect escapism from the trial.
The court adjourned the matter to September 26 and asked journalist Singh's lawyers to prepare a small note regarding the arguments advanced in support of the plea.
Singh, a former MP of the BJP, has sought quashing of the FIR, charge sheet, and, consequently, all the proceedings of the trial.
The Delhi Police, as well as the complainants, opposed it on the grounds that the plea was bereft of merit.
In May, the court had framed charges of sexual harassment and intimidation against Singh after he had pleaded not guilty. The Rouse Avenue Court framed charges under sections dealing with sexual harassment, using force to outrage modesty, and criminal intimidation.
Singh pleaded not guilty as he said, "Why would I plead guilty when I am not?"
Since January 2023, a few female wrestlers, including Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, held sit-in protests at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding Singh's dismissal and the annulment of the WFI. Ui\ccording to the information given to the Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, an inquiry committee was foirmed with main members like Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. However, despite all protests, WFI has denied all allegations against their President and the coaches.
It was at this point that the Sports Ministry stepped in suspending all WFI activities after sacking Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar, who was also dragged into the controversy.
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