No stay on trial court proceedings in wrestlers’ sexual harassment case against ex-WFI chief: HC

The Delhi High Court said on Thursday that it has not stayed proceedings in the trial court in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The observations were made by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma while objecting to the repeated adjournment requests made by Mr. Singh during the hearing of his petition seeking to quash the case.

‘No arguments made’

The court noted that while the former BJP MP’s plea was filed in August 2024, no arguments have been made in the matter till date. During Thursday’s hearing, Mr. Singh sought an adjournment in the case, citing the unavailability of a senior lawyer. Clarifying that there is no stay on the trial court proceedings, the court adjourned the case to April 21.

The case stems from an FIR lodged by the Delhi police based on a complaint filed by six women wrestlers who levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Singh.

The FIR was lodged on the Supreme Court’s instructions following protests by the wrestlers.

Mr. Singh is accused of charges such as outraging modesty, stalking, and criminal intimidation.