SC closes proceedings in women wrestlers' plea alleging sexual harassment

New Delhi: Supreme Court of India Thursday closed the proceedings in women wrestlers' plea alleging sexual harassment by BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The seven women wrestlers, who have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to file an affidavit in sealed cover.

On April 28, Delhi Police had filed two FIRs against Singh on the allegations of the wrestlers, hours after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, had told the apex court that a case will be registered on Friday.

After hearing the arguments from counsels of petitioners and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and solicitor general Tushar Mehta, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the court was apprised by the SG that since the allegations implicate commissioner for cognizable offence, the police had decided to register an FIR.

CJI Chandrachud said, "The statement of minor complainant under S 161 was recorded in two sessions between 4 pm and 5.45 pm and between 8.20 pm and 9.43 pm in presence of 4 women constables in the office of counsel of petitioners.

"The rest of the statement was recorded on 3 May 2023. The purpose of this petition was registeration of FIR which is now been meet with. Apart from FIR, security was to be provided as per directions of this court.

"Proper security has been provided to Minor. After making threat assessment, due arrangements have been made for security of other complainants.

“Keeping in mind the ambit of these proceedings, we close the proceedings at this stage. If petitioners wish for something else, they can approach the magistrate or the HC in its jurisdiction.”

The counsel for petitioners requested the investigation to be monitored by either this court or a retired judge keeping in view the conduct of the Delhi Police. 

“Once it is disposed, the Delhi police will drag its feet. Just a comment that the magistrate monitoring this with should be proper, considering the sensitive nature of this,” the petitioners' counsel said.

To this, CJI Chandrachud noted that the petitioners can approach Delhi HC if there are any issues.