SC Concludes Proceedings Of Sexual Harassment Case Of Women Wrestlers Against WFI President

On Thursday, the Supreme Court concluded its proceedings in a case filed by female wrestlers who had accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP MP, of sexual harassment. Since the petitioners' request for the registration of an FIR had been satisfied, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, made a decision to close the case. The court also observed that it had previously ordered the provision of security to the complainants, which the Delhi Police had duly done.

The bench further stated that the petitioners could seek any other remedy available to them by approaching the appropriate magisterial court or the High Court. Senior Advocate Narendar Hooda, opposed the closure of the case, but the bench declined to consider his request. 

Hooda expressed concern that the Delhi Police might not act promptly now that the case was over and suggested that a former judge of the court should monitor the situation. However, CJI Chandrachud clarified that the court had only addressed the petitioners' prayer, which had been granted, and advised Hooda to approach the Delhi High Court if he disagreed with the magistrate court's decision.

Women wrestlers, who were demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, staged a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Following this, the wrestlers filed a plea seeking the registration of an FIR against Singh, and the case eventually reached the Supreme Court. Last week, the Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that it would register an FIR based on the complaint filed by the wrestlers. During the mentioning yesterday, the petitioners' counsel requested to submit some documents on record in a sealed cover and alleged that the police had not yet taken any action, including recording statements. Today, the petitioners' counsel raised objections regarding the manner in which the investigation was being conducted.

The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Delhi Police, stated that the investigation was progressing as scheduled, and the police were in the process of recording statements. Mehta assured the court that the investigation would be impartial, and he provided details about the security arrangements that had been made for the complainants. 

Based on Mehta's statements, the court concluded the proceedings and disposed of the case.