Top wrestlers in India have requested a lawsuit to be filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), for allegations of sexual harassment. The wrestlers, including Olympic medalists, have accused Singh of sexual harassment dating from 2012 to last year. Despite persistent efforts, Delhi Police refused to file a FIR in response to their April 21 complaint. The wrestlers rejected the sports ministry’s offer of dialogue and petitioned the court on Monday. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha’s bench heard the appeal for an urgent hearing after hearing from senior lawyer Kapil Sibal. They ordered that the petition’s petitioners’ names be redacted and set a Friday return deadline.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal said that the wrestlers were mutely protesting and that the police were not acting. If a FIR is not filed, even police officers may face legal action. The Delhi Police received a notification from the court, which described the allegations as “serious.” The bench stated that there are severe claims of sexual harassment made in the plea at the request of wrestlers who have represented India. In accordance with Article 32 of the Constitution, which enables people to appeal to the highest court for redress, the court is aware of its obligation to defend fundamental rights.
The petitioners informed the court that because Singh is a member of the ruling party, they should not expect justice from the police or the government. The petition named the head of the Delhi police department and the SHO of the Connaught Place police station as respondents.
