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During the proceedings at the Rouse Avenue Courts on Wednesday, the presiding authority made it clear that this represents the final opportunity for the respondents to file their replies. The court has signaled that no further extensions will be permitted, moving the case forward after previous notices were issued on September 28 and subsequent time was granted on October 9.
Legal Challenge and Background of the Case
The appellants argue that the trial court's judgment, delivered on August 3 by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar, is legally unsustainable. They contend that the evidence presented during the trial was not assessed correctly. Specifically, the appeal seeks to overturn the acquittal of both Singh and Tomar, with the latter having faced a charge of criminal intimidation under Section 506 Part I of the Indian Penal Code.
The origins of this legal battle trace back to January 2023, when prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, initiated a high-profile protest at Jantar Mantar. The athletes demanded the resignation of the WFI leadership and the dissolution of the federation, citing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. This public outcry led to the formation of an inquiry committee and the subsequent suspension of the WFI's operations by the Union Sports Ministry.
Trial and Judicial Developments
In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court had formally framed charges against Singh regarding allegations of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five
This ongoing appeal is distinct from a separate case involving a minor wrestler. In that instance, a Delhi court accepted a cancellation report in May 2025 after the Delhi Police stated they found no corroborative evidence to support the allegations. Following the August acquittal of Singh, athletes including Phogat and Punia publicly voiced their disappointment and confirmed their intention to challenge the verdict in a higher court. Conversely, Singh had characterized the initial acquittal as a victory for junior athletes.
