Sexual harassment case: SC issues notice to Delhi govt on pleas of 7 women wrestlers

The Supreme Court issued notice to the Delhi government and others on the pleas filed by seven women wrestlers who alleged that their FIR is not being registered regarding sexual harassment against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The apex court said that these allegations are serious and need to be considered.

Meanwhile, top wrestler Bajrang Punia alleged on Tuesday that Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh tried to sexually exploit seven female athletes, including a minor, forcing wrestlers to withdraw their police complaint. Some people from WFI offered money as well, Punia claimed during a press conference in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The apex court first believed that the women’s wrestlers’ case might be scheduled for a hearing on Friday. However, it decided to take up the case right away after hearing some arguments from senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who brought up the subject.

The bench stated that generally, a remedy to approach the police is accessible under Section 156 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (police officers’ power to investigate cognisable matters). The bench asked, “What are the charges?”

Sibal claimed that despite the law being quite clear on this subject, no FIR has yet been filed despite seven wrestlers, including a minor, making alleged sexual harassment claims.

There are seven female wrestlers, including a minor. A committee has submitted a report, but it has not been made public. And no FIR has been filed, he added.

The senior lawyer cited judgements when he indicated that failure to file an FIR for a crime of this sort could result in the prosecution of police personnel as well.

Taking note of the arguments, the bench stated, “There are significant claims of sexual harassment against Indian wrestlers raised in the petition.” This court needs to consider the subject.

During the brief hearing, the court was informed that the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is also a BJP member of parliament.

Numerous award-winning wrestlers have been incessantly protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding from the government that it make the probe regarding the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh public.