New Delhi: The legal saga surrounding the alleged sexual harassment case involving the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, took a new turn as the Delhi Police presented fresh arguments before a city court. The case, initiated by complaints from women wrestlers, has prompted a reevaluation of charges against Singh and his co-accused, Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of the WFI.Legal developments unfold before ACMM Priyanka RajpootThe legal proceedings entered a new phase under the oversight of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot, who recently took charge of the case following the transfer of the previous judge. The Delhi Police, during the renewed arguments, asserted the existence of substantial prima facie evidence warranting a trial for Singh and Tomar.Court grants temporary exemption During the course of the proceedings, the court, responding to an application from Singhs lawyer, granted a temporary exemption from personal appearance to the BJP MP for the day. The judge stated, In view of averments made in the application, accused Brij Bhushan Sharan is exempted from personal appearance for today only. The case is scheduled for further hearing on Saturday.Chargesheet and legal landscapeThe Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet on June 15, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Singh, encompassing charges of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, stalking, and assault with intent to outrage modesty. Tomar also faced accusations in the case. The chargesheet materialised subsequent to complaints from six women wrestlers, prompting an FIR against Singh.Both Singh and Tomar had previously been granted bail by the court. Another layer of legal complexity was added with a separate FIR under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, filed on the complaint of a minor wrestler. However, following the withdrawal of the minor wrestlers complaint, the Delhi Police filed a closure report in the case before a city court.As the legal proceedings unfold, the case remains a focal point, highlighting the challenges surrounding issues of sexual harassment and legal intricacies within the sporting domain. The courts upcoming deliberations will further shape the trajectory of this contentious legal battle.
