Delhi Court Exonerates Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in High-Profile Case
In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has acquitted former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on charges of sexual harassment. The case, which involved allegations from multiple women wrestlers, was deliberated by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar at the Rouse Avenue Courts.
Details of the Acquittal
The court’s decision also led to the acquittal of co-accused Vinod Tomar, a former Assistant Secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The charges against them were serious, including accusations of outraging modesty, making sexually colored remarks, stalking, and criminal intimidation under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Initial Charges and Court Proceedings
The allegations against Singh surfaced when six women wrestlers filed complaints leading to a First Information Report (FIR). Subsequently, on June 15, 2023, the police submitted a chargesheet against Singh, citing offenses under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1) of the IPC. By May 10, 2024, the trial court had found sufficient grounds to frame charges against Singh, particularly for sexual harassment and criminal intimidation in relation to two wrestlers.
Withdrawal of Minor’s Allegation
In addition to the adult complainants, a minor wrestler also initially lodged a complaint against Singh. However, she later retracted her allegations, prompting the Delhi Police to file a cancellation report under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), effectively closing that case.
Legal Representation and Outcome
Singh’s legal defense was led by advocates Rajiv Mohan, Rishabh Bhati, Rehan Khan, and Suryansh Singh. Despite the media’s exclusion from the courtroom during proceedings, Singh’s legal team described the court’s decision as an “honourable acquittal.” The ruling has certainly captured public attention, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitivity of the allegations.
