The Delhi High Court on Thursday criticized the plea by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to quash the sexual harassment and intimidation case filed by female wrestlers.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna noted that the challenge to the criminal proceedings, including the framing of charges, should have been made before the trial commenced. The court adjourned the proceedings to September 26 and requested Singh's counsel to submit a concise note detailing the contentions in the plea.
Singh's petition seeks to quash the FIR, charge sheet, and all trial court proceedings associated with the case.
"There can’t be an omnibus order on everything. Once the trial has commenced and charges have been framed, this is nothing but an oblique way," Justice Krishna observed.
In response, the Delhi Police and the complainants argued that the plea was not maintainable.
Earlier in May, a Delhi court formally framed charges of sexual harassment and intimidation against Singh, to which he pleaded not guilty. The Rouse Avenue Court ordered the framing of charges under relevant sections for sexual harassment, using force to outrage women’s modesty, and criminal intimidation.
Claiming a trial, he said: "Why will I plead guilty when I am not guilty?"
The case began when numerous female wrestlers, including Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, led protests against Singh at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in January 2023. They demanded Singh's resignation and the WFI's dissolution. Their complaint to Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha prompted the formation of an inquiry committee featuring prominent figures like boxing legend Mary Kom and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt.
Despite the protests and complaints, the WFI denied all allegations against its president and coaches. Following these actions, the Sports Ministry intervened, suspending all WFI activities and sidelining assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, who is also an accused in the case.