A Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case brought by six wrestlers. The ruling concludes a high-profile legal matter that previously sparked nationwide athlete protests and drew international scrutiny regarding Indian sports administration. This decision marks the end of criminal proceedings related to these specific allegations.
A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case. The legal proceedings involved allegations brought by six adult women wrestlers, who claimed misconduct occurred during his leadership of the national federation. Throughout the multi-year investigation and trial, Singh consistently maintained his innocence, and this verdict concludes the criminal case regarding these specific complaints.
The allegations, which first gained significant public attention in 2023, led to prolonged protests by prominent Indian athletes, including Olympic medalists. These demonstrations centered on demands for accountability and governance changes within the WFI, eventually drawing attention from international sporting bodies. The protests reached a point of high visibility during a march toward the new Parliament building, where law enforcement detained several athletes, an event that became a focal point of public and international debate regarding the handling of grievances in Indian sports.
This verdict follows earlier legal developments where a separate case involving a minor wrestler was cancelled after a police report recommended the same. While this ruling resolves the criminal charges brought by the adult wrestlers, the case has had a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding the management of Indian wrestling. Athletes have previously raised concerns about the federation’s operations and the potential for continued influence by past leadership in sporting affairs, such as the hosting of ranking tournaments at private institutions. These concerns were often highlighted by athletes preparing for international competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games, where fair access and competition remain central priorities for the sporting community.
The immediate legal chapter concerning these specific charges is now closed. The primary monitorable for the athletic community and stakeholders remains the future governance structure of the WFI and its ability to maintain transparent operations to support athletes training for global sporting events.