Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and former BJP Member of Parliament Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the criminal case arising out of allegations of sexual harassment made by several women wrestlers. Co-accused Vinod Tomar was also acquitted by the court.
The verdict marks the conclusion of one of the country’s most closely watched criminal proceedings involving allegations against a senior sports administrator. The prosecution stemmed from complaints lodged by women wrestlers following months of public protests that brought the issue of athlete safety and accountability within Indian sports federations into national focus.
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Court Delivers Verdict After Reserving Judgment
The order was delivered by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi after it had reserved judgment on July 2, 2026, upon completion of final arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The court pronounced its decision on August 3, acquitting both accused of the charges.
The case originated from an FIR registered by the Delhi Police after several women wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as president of the Wrestling Federation of India. The allegations emerged during the high-profile protests staged by India’s leading wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in 2023, demanding criminal action and institutional reforms.
Background of the Investigation
Following the protests, Delhi Police initiated an investigation into the complaints and, on June 15, 2023, filed an extensive chargesheet running into approximately 1,500 pages before the trial court.
The investigation covered allegations made by multiple women wrestlers, including international-level athletes, who accused the former WFI chief of inappropriate conduct during his time heading the federation. The prosecution alleged incidents amounting to sexual harassment and other related offences.
The matter subsequently proceeded to trial after the court took cognisance of the chargesheet.
Earlier Proceedings
In May 2024, the trial court had directed framing of a charge of criminal intimidation against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in relation to the complaint of one of the wrestlers. At the same time, the court discharged him in another complaint filed by one of the six complainants after finding insufficient grounds to proceed on that particular allegation.
The trial thereafter continued on the remaining allegations before the court ultimately delivered its final judgment acquitting both accused.
Brij Bhushan Singh Reacts to Acquittal
Speaking to the media shortly after the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed the decision and stated that he had maintained his innocence from the very beginning of the proceedings. Referring to the court’s findings, he said the judgment had vindicated his stand and expressed satisfaction over the outcome.
Supporters gathered outside his Delhi residence after the verdict, celebrating the acquittal by raising slogans, bursting crackers and showering flower petals as Singh returned home.
WFI Leadership Welcomes Decision
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh also welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a moment of relief for Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his supporters.
Political Impact
The allegations had significant political repercussions. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party did not field Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from the Kaiserganj parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh amid the controversy surrounding the case. Instead, the party nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, who went on to win the seat.
A Case That Triggered Nationwide Debate
The criminal proceedings attracted widespread public attention after India’s leading wrestlers staged prolonged demonstrations demanding Singh’s arrest and greater accountability within sports administration. The protests sparked a nationwide debate on athlete protection, governance in national sports federations, and the handling of sexual harassment complaints in sporting institutions.
With the acquittal pronounced by the trial court, the criminal proceedings at the trial stage have concluded, though the judgment may be subject to further legal remedies available under law.
