The hearing regarding the appeal contesting the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has been postponed to September 28. This decision was made by the Rouse Avenue court on September 26, 2026, as Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh was attending judicial training. The case is set to be reassessed next Monday.

Details of the Appeal Against Acquittal

The appeal was filed by four women wrestlers who challenged the August 3 decision made by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar, which ruled in favour of Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment allegations. The wrestlers argue that the acquittal is legally unsound and suggest that it reflects a “manifestly erroneous and selective appreciation of the evidence” presented during the trial.

In their appeal, the complainants assert that the decision is based on “conjectures and surmises” rather than established legal principles. They contend that the ruling relies on outdated and stereotypical views regarding the behaviour expected from survivors of sexual assault and harassment, instead of considering the evidence and context of the cases.

This legal battle emerged from multiple complaints filed against Singh during his leadership at the WFI, resulting in widespread protests from wrestlers at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar earlier in 2023. These protests called attention to the allegations and led to an investigation by the Delhi Police.

Background of the Case and Proceedings

The allegations against Singh and Tomar prompted the Delhi Police to file a chargesheet in June 2023. Following this, in May 2024, the court framed specific charges against Singh linked to allegations made by five complainants, although he was discharged concerning the complaint from another wrestler. Tomar was implicated in a separate charge of criminal intimidation related to one of the complainants.

On August 3, after the completion of the trial, the Rouse Avenue court acquitted both Singh and Tomar. The judgment rendered by ACJM Ashwini Panwar followed in-camera proceedings, which are designed to protect the privacy of those involved in sensitive cases.

In this high-profile case, senior advocate Rebecca John represents the complainants, while Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is defended by advocate Rajiv Mohan, with assistance from Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati. The upcoming appeal hearing scheduled for September 28 will provide another opportunity for the legal arguments and evidence concerning the case to be reviewed.

Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

As the appeal moves forward, the focus will be on the evidence presented and the interpretations of legal principles pertaining to sexual harassment. The committee’s ruling and the ongoing discussions within the legal community underscore the complexities of such cases, particularly in the context of societal perceptions and judicial expectations.

The wrestlers involved have chosen to take this legal route in pursuit of justice and accountability, which highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of sexual harassment in asserting their rights. The court’s upcoming decision may significantly influence the discourse surrounding similar cases in India.

The adjournment to September 28 represents a pivotal moment for the involved parties, as the outcome of the appeal could impact not only the individuals directly affected but also the wrestling community and its governance in India.

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