Today, the Supreme Court of India called the allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh “serious” while issuing a notice to the Delhi Police in the matter.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the petition before a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha for an urgent hearing. He said the wrestlers have been sitting on a protest. “...the police are not acting. Look at the allegations. ...Even police personnel can be prosecuted for not registering an FIR [first information report].”

Sibal argued since the matter involved sexual harassment, the police were bound to register a case.

Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrchud said: “There are serious allegations contained in the petition at [the] behest of wrestlers who have represented India with regard to sexual harassment. Issue notice, returnable on Friday.”

He further, added the court is conscious of its duty to protect fundamental rights under Constitution’s Article 32, which allows individuals to move to the top court to seek justice.

The bench directed redaction of the identities of the petitioners from their petition. It added that the redacted copy of the plea should be made available in the public domain.

The wrestlers, including a minor who allegedly faced sexual harassment, were named in the plea.

Case Brief:

Yesterday, the Top wrestlers of India, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia have moved the Supreme Court seeking FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment issue.

They resumed their protest nearly after three months at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday against the WFI chief and other coaches for allegedly sexually assaulting women wrestlers.

Meanwhile, the State Police has sought a report from the investigating committee that was set up by the Union sports ministry to probe the allegations, according to a top official.

A total of seven complaints have been received against the WFI chief.

"As part of the inquiry, we have sought a report from the probe committee set up by Sports Ministry to look into the allegations of sexual harassment allegations levelled against WFI chief," the top official said.