In a significant legal development,
Background of the Case
The allegations against Singh emerged during his tenure as the head of the WFI, leading to a formal complaint from several female wrestlers. In 2023, the Delhi Police submitted a comprehensive chargesheet detailing accusations of sexual harassment, assault, and criminal intimidation against Singh. Notably, another individual, Tomar, was also named as a co-accused in the case.
In a procedural update, the court had previously scheduled August 3 for the announcement of its judgment after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The proceedings were conducted in a closed courtroom to maintain confidentiality and respect for the involved parties.
Trial Proceedings and Legal Arguments
During the trial, the prosecution was represented by senior advocate Rebecca John, who presented the case on behalf of the complainants. The defense team, led by advocate Rajiv Mohan and supported by Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, concluded their arguments on June 30. The case gained public attention following a protest by women wrestlers at Jantar Mantar, where they voiced their allegations against Singh.
On June 15, 2023, the Delhi Police had filed a detailed 1,500-page chargesheet, which included various sections of the Indian Penal Code, specifically Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1). The court also heard testimonies from members of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the investigating officer during the trial, which began with the recording of statements on May 12.
The acquittal marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny, as it involved serious allegations from both domestic and international female wrestlers against a prominent figure in Indian sports.
