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Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been given one final week to respond to the wrestlers’ appeal against his acquittal. (Img: X)
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday granted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a final opportunity to respond to an appeal filed by four women wrestlers challenging his acquittal in a sexual harassment case.
The Rouse Avenue Court has directed Singh to file his response within one week, clarifying that no further extension would be granted. The court had issued notice on the appeal on September 28. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh is hearing the matter, in which the wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
The appeal seeks reconsideration of the trial court's findings and questions the conclusions drawn while acquitting the accused. The wrestlers have asked the appellate court to examine the legality of the acquittal in light of the evidence and circumstances of the case.
The challenge stems from the trial court's August 3 judgment acquitting Singh of the allegations against him. The four wrestlers have questioned the assessment of the evidence and sought appellate intervention against the decision.
The appeal also challenges Tomar's acquittal on the charge of criminal intimidation.
After issuing notice to Singh, Tomar and the State on September 28, the court has now granted Singh a final week to place his response on record. The matter will proceed further after the court considers the responses and submissions of the parties.
The case arose from allegations of sexual harassment levelled by women wrestlers against Singh during his tenure as WFI president. Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against him under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of a woman, stalking and criminal intimidation.
The trial court acquitted Singh after concluding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Tomar was also acquitted of the criminal intimidation charge. The four wrestlers have challenged the acquittal before the sessions court, seeking its reversal. The appellate court is yet to decide the merits of their challenge.
