Wrestlers’ Plea for FIR against BJP MP Brij Bhushan to be Heard by Supreme Court

New Delhi (India), April 25, 2023: The Supreme Court has granted permission to hear a plea filed by wrestlers who are demanding the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment of female wrestlers.

The plea also demands action against Singh. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, recognized the seriousness of the allegations raised by the wrestlers and stated that they require consideration by the apex court.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the survivors, raised concerns about the issue, stating that seven wrestlers, including a minor, have accused Singh of sexual harassment. He further added that a committee report on the issue is yet to be made public, and the FIR has not been registered.

The Supreme Court examined the documents presented by Sibal and agreed to list the matter. The identity of the petitioners has been redacted and will not be made available in the public domain. The Court has ordered that the complaints forming part of an attachment in a sealed cover shall be re-sealed, and the Article 32 plea placed together again.

The matter is returnable on Friday, and liberty to serve the NCT Delhi has been granted.

The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Court’s decision has brought hope to the protestors, who are seeking justice for the alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers in India.