Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of Sexual Harassment

The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and former Member of Parliament, of sexual harassment, assault, and criminal intimidation charges on August 3, 2026. The court also cleared Vinod Tomar, the WFI assistant office secretary. The ruling follows a trial based on a 1,500-page charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police in 2023, after six female wrestlers alleged misconduct and sparked widespread protests at Jantar Mantar starting in January 2023.

Following the verdict, Singh characterized the allegations as a conspiracy and stated he was defamed. WFI President Sanjay Singh expressed happiness at the ruling. Conversely, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat expressed deep sadness, alleging that the government and legal system worked to shield Singh. The female complainants have instructed their lawyers to appeal the acquittal as soon as possible.

The acquittal removes a legal barrier for Singh, who intends to return to frontline politics. Along with his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, he has declared his intention to contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Singh indicated he would run as an independent if the Bharatiya Janata Party denies him a ticket, though the party has not yet announced a decision regarding his rehabilitation.