A Delhi court has discharged former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by one of the women wrestlers. This brings the controversial chapter in one of Indian sport’s most high-profile cases to a close.
The court reportedly found insufficient grounds to proceed with the charges in this particular case. Other legal proceedings, where applicable, continue to follow the judicial process independently.
The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had triggered a massive protest by some of India’s leading wrestlers in 2023. Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia and several others, led a prolonged sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The wrestlers demanded Singh’s arrest, an impartial investigation into the allegations, and reforms in the functioning of the Wrestling Federation of India. Their protest attracted nationwide attention and sparked a broader debate on athlete welfare, governance in sports bodies, and the handling of sexual harassment complaints.
The demonstrations witnessed several dramatic moments, including confrontations with the police, political reactions, and widespread media coverage. The issue also prompted intervention by the government, which temporarily suspended WFI activities, initiated inquiries, and eventually oversaw fresh elections to the federation.
With the latest court order discharging Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in this case, the perspective about the case has shifted significantly. The decision underscores the principle that criminal liability must be established on the basis of evidence presented before the court, and not on the basis of street protests. At the same time, the controversy has left a lasting impact on Indian wrestling, leading to increased scrutiny of sports administration and calls for stronger institutional mechanisms to address athlete grievances.
The case remains one of the most discussed episodes in Indian sports in recent years, not only because of the allegations themselves but also because of the unprecedented public protest led by some of India’s most celebrated wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.
