Wrestlers harassment case: The Delhi Police have filed written submissions in the ongoing sexual harassment case involving BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The case has reached the stage of framing charges, centring on allegations made by six women wrestlers against Singh.The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) scheduled a session for further clarification on framing charges for December 20, 2023. Presently, the court is actively debating the charges in this sensitive case.During the court hearing, the Additional Public Prosecutor, Atul Srivastav, submitted written responses countering the arguments presented by the defence counsel representing the accused.Allegations and Jurisdiction ConcernsThe submissions by Delhi Police underscored that statements from witnesses and victims highlight instances of molestation across various locations, including foreign countries and parts of India falling under PS Connaught Places jurisdiction.Earlier submissions from the complainant wrestlers and the defendant, Singh, have been part of the legal proceedings. The court had previously urged all parties involved to file written submissions to streamline and clarify arguments. However, the defence counsel faced scrutiny from the ACMM for potentially confusing the proceedings.Key Arguments and Continuing OffencesThe defence counsel Rajiv Mohan contested the courts jurisdiction in trying offences committed outside India without obtaining sanction under section 188 of CrPC. Additionally, the defence argued that alleged offences committed across several international locations cannot be tried in this court.The court also explored whether sexual harassment could be considered a continuing offence and assessed the prosecutions stance that harassment was ongoing and not isolated. Meanwhile, the defence highlighted an incident in Bulgaria in 2022, questioning why it hadnt been mentioned earlier.Legal Standpoint and SC JudgementReferring to a 1993 Supreme Court judgement, the defence argued that the offences committed abroad could be tried in India. These legal complexities add layers to the ongoing discussions and underline the intricacies surrounding jurisdiction and the nature of offences in this high-profile case.
