Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Delhi Court Notifies Singh Over Wrestlers’ Acquittal Appeal
Four women wrestlers have asked a higher Delhi court to review the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Singh was accused by six women wrestlers of sexual harassment.
Vinod Tomar was also accused of criminal intimidation in the case.
A lower court acquitted both men on August 3, saying the charges were not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The wrestlers say the lower court misunderstood important evidence.
They also say the judgment used old-fashioned ideas about how victims should behave.
The higher court has sent notices to Singh, Tomar and the state.
The case will be considered again on October 9.
Singh has denied the allegations and welcomed the earlier acquittal.
A Delhi court issued notice on four women wrestlers’ appeal against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s acquittal.
The appeal also challenges Vinod Tomar’s acquittal on a criminal-intimidation charge.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh issued notice to Singh, Tomar and the state.
A magistrate’s court acquitted both men on August 3, citing insufficient evidence.
The wrestlers’ appeal argues that the judgment selectively assessed evidence and relied on stereotypical assumptions about victims.
- Who
- Four women wrestlers appealed the acquittals of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
- What
- A Delhi court issued notice on the wrestlers’ criminal appeal challenging both acquittals.
- When
- The appeal was filed on September 25; the next proceedings are scheduled for October 9.
- Where
- The proceedings are before a Delhi court at Rouse Avenue.
- Why
- The wrestlers argue that the lower court selectively assessed the evidence and relied on stereotypical assumptions about victims of sexual harassment.
Wrestlers’ Appeal
Acquitted Defendants’ Position
Assessment of evidence
Wrestlers’ Appeal
The wrestlers say the acquittal was legally unsustainable and based on a manifestly erroneous and selective assessment of the evidence.
Acquitted Defendants’ Position
The lower court held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and cited insufficient evidence.
Treatment of victims
Wrestlers’ Appeal
The appeal says the judgment relied on archaic and stereotypical assumptions about how victims of sexual assault and harassment should behave.
Acquitted Defendants’ Position
The trial court questioned aspects including delays in complaints and the absence of earlier named allegations, according to one report.
Characterization of the case
Wrestlers’ Appeal
The wrestlers seek to overturn what they describe as a legally flawed acquittal.
Acquitted Defendants’ Position
One report said the trial court called the case false and fabricated and viewed it as seemingly politically motivated; Singh welcomed the acquittal.
- Appeal filed
- September 25
- Notice issued by
- Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh
- Notice issued to
- Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Vinod Tomar and the state
- Next proceedings
- October 9
- Original allegations
- Six women wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment
- Lower-court outcome
- Singh and Tomar were acquitted on August 3
- Police chargesheet
- Delhi Police filed a chargesheet on June 15, 2023, citing IPC Sections 354, 354A, 354D and 506(1), according to one report
- Confidentiality directions
- The court directed that documents naming victims be sealed and that petition copies redact their names
Sources
Delhi Court Issues Notice In Appeal Against Brij Bhushan Singh's Acquittal
Delhi court issues notice to Brij Bhushan on women wrestlers’ appeal against his acquittal
Delhi Court issues notice to Brij Bhushan, Vinod Tomar on wrestlers’ appeal against acquittal
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh & Others Get Court Notice Over Appeal Challenging Acquittal In Women Wrestlers' Sexual Harassment Case
