A court in Delhi has mandated the filing of a sexual harassment case against the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. This development has been greeted with approval by Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who view it as a significant triumph for female wrestlers in the nation.
The Delhi court has directed the registration of charges under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to molest a woman), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code against Singh, a six-time Member of Parliament.
Expressing his gratitude for the court’s decision, Bajrang Punia, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, took to ‘X’ to acknowledge the development. He emphasized the importance of this ruling in the ongoing struggle for women wrestlers’ rights, underscoring the relief it brings to those who have faced adversity. Additionally, Punia called for accountability for those who engage in online harassment against female wrestlers.
Sakshi Malik, the Rio Olympic bronze medalist, echoed similar sentiments on ‘X,’ hailing the court’s decision to frame charges against Brijbhushan Singh. She expressed appreciation for the court’s action, highlighting the arduous journey faced by female wrestlers in their pursuit of justice. Malik emphasized the sacrifices made by female athletes, including enduring nights of hardship, to advance the cause of gender equality in sports.
Earlier, on June 15, the Delhi Police had initiated a case against Singh under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506 of the IPC. A charge sheet was subsequently filed under IPC Section 506 (criminal intimidation). The court is scheduled to formally establish the charges on May 21.
