Delhi court issues notice to Brij Bhushan Singh on wrestlers' acquittal appeal

A Delhi court on Monday sought responses from former BJP MP and erstwhile Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, along with co-accused Vinod Tomar, on an appeal moved by four women wrestlers against their acquittal in a sexual harassment case.

Special Judge Digvinay Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court issued notices to the two men. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on October 9.

The appeal challenges the trial court's verdict of August 3, 2026, which cleared Mr. Singh and Mr. Tomar of the sexual harassment charges. The wrestlers have questioned the reasoning of that judgment, contending that it rested on assumptions and disregarded significant portions of the prosecution's evidence.

The case traces back to 2023, when six women wrestlers levelled sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Singh. The Delhi Police registered an FIR and, in June 2023, filed a chargesheet against him and Mr. Tomar.

The two were booked for assault and use of criminal force against women with intent to outrage their modesty, sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation.

On May 10, 2024, the trial court framed charges of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women, based on allegations made by five wrestlers against both accused.

In its August 3, 2026 judgment, however, the trial court acquitted the two, calling the case "false and fabricated" and observing that it appeared to carry a "political" motive.