WFI sexual harassment row: Supreme Court issues notice to Delhi Police over wrestlers protest

New Delhi: Observing that there are serious allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Saran in the petition filed by wrestlers who have represented India, and assuring the sportspersons of a hearing, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to Delhi Police.

A petition was filed by seven wrestlers in Supreme Court seeking registration of a FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Saran, accusing him of sexually harassing women wrestlers including a minor who have represented India in world sporting events.

A bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chadrachud issued a notice to Delhi Police on hearing the mentioning by Kapil Sibal, senior lawyer appearing for women wrestlers.

The CJI also admitted and noted in its order that "there are serious allegations made in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India and sexual harassment meted out to them.

The matter requires consideration by this court.

"The identity of the petitioners shall be redacted. Only the redacted part shall be made available in the public domain. Issue notice to Delhi police, returnable on Friday. Liberty to serve the NCT Delhi," the Supreme Court said, in its order.

The plea was mentioned in the Supreme Court by top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik seeking a FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the petition before the Supreme Court, filed jointly by seven wrestlers for registration of an FIR against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He pointed out the wrestlers have been sitting on a protest

"Even on allegations of sexual assault, no FIRs (First Information Report) have been lodged.
The young girl was 16 at the time, had won a gold medal," Sibal pleaded to the apex Court.

Sibal went on to argue that even the police persons can be prosecuted for not registering an offence of this nature. (UNI)