Delhi court issues notice on women wrestlers’ appeal against Brij Bhushan’s acquittal

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police in connection with an appeal filed by a group of women wrestlers seeking a review of the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) assistant ary Brij Bhushan. The appeal, which also includes a challenge to the acquittal of former WFI official Vinod Tomar on a separate charge of criminal intimidation, was filed in the Court’s criminal division on Thursday. The notice demands that the police present its case and relevant documents to the Court within thirty days of receipt.The wrestlers, who are members of the WFI and have been involved in the sport for several years, claim that the acquittals of Bhushan and Tomar are based on flawed evidence and a lack of due process..

According to their submissions, both men were implicated in a series of incidents that allegedly involved intimidation and coercion of athletes, leading to a climate of fear within the federation. The appellants argue that the police failed to investigate the matter thoroughly and that the court’s earlier judgment was therefore unsound.In its order, the Court directed the Delhi Police to submit a written statement outlining the basis for its decision to acquit both Bhushan and Tomar. The Court also asked the police to provide a copy of all forensic reports, witness statements, and any other evidence that was considered during the trial..

The notice was accompanied by a copy of the appeal filed by the wrestlers, which lays out the factual allegations and the legal arguments that underpin their request for a review. The Court’s order also reminds the police that the matter is pending and that a delay in responding could prejudice the rights of the appellants.The case against Bhushan originally arose in 2021 when he was charged with criminal intimidation following an incident that took place during a training session at the WFI headquarters. The police alleged that Bhushan had threatened a senior wrestler with violence if she did not comply with his demands..

The trial, which was conducted in a fast-track court, ended with the judge finding that there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the intent and the motive behind Bhushan’s alleged threats.Similarly, Vinod Tomar was charged with criminal intimidation in a separate incident that took place in 2019. Tomar, who was serving as the assistant ary of the WFI at the time, was accused of using his position to coerce a junior coach into resigning..

The police case relied on the testimony of the coach and a few witnesses, but the trial judge found that the evidence was contradictory and that the prosecution had not met its burden of proof. Tomar was acquitted in March 2022, following a decision that the case was not strong enough to proceed to conviction.The wrestlers’ appeal is grounded in the premise that the acquittals were the result of procedural errors and an inadequate investigation by the police. They argue that the police did not secure a comprehensive record of the alleged incidents, nor did they properly assess the credibility of witnesses..

In addition, the appellants allege that the police’s decision to drop the charges was influenced by political pressure and a desire to avoid scandal within the federation. They maintain that the acquittals have damaged their reputation and created a sense of injustice within the wrestling community.According to the Delhi High Court, a notice in such cases is a routine part of the judicial process, allowing the Court to assess the strength of the evidence and determine whether a retrial or a review is warranted. The Court’s order does not imply that it is taking a side in the matter; instead, it is seeking to ensure that all parties are given an opportunity to present their arguments and to confirm that the legal proceedings have followed proper protocol..

The notice also serves to remind the police of its duty to provide a complete and transparent account of its investigative work.The Delhi Police has yet to respond to the notice, and it is unclear whether the police will comply with the Court’s request. The police have stated that they are reviewing the case files and will provide a response within the stipulated timeframe. However, the wrestlers have expressed concern that a delay could jeopardise their chances of a review..

They have called on the Court to consider an urgent hearing to address the matter more quickly, citing the impact that the acquittals have had on the wrestlers’ careers and reputations.The legal implications of the case are significant for the sport’s governing bodies in India. If the Delhi High Court finds that the acquittals were indeed flawed, it could lead to a retrial or a new investigation, which would have a ripple effect across other sports federations that have faced similar allegations. The wrestlers’ appeal underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in sports administration, particularly when allegations of intimidation or coercion arise..

The case also highlights the role of the judiciary in checking the work of law enforcement agencies and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and unbiased manner.In the meantime, the wrestlers remain hopeful that the Court will give due consideration to their appeal. They have appealed for an independent review of the cases and have urged the judiciary to act swiftly to restore confidence in the sport’s governing institutions. The Delhi High Court’s decision to issue a notice and invite the police to present its case is the first step in a process that could ultimately lead to a re‑examination of the acquittals and, if necessary, a fresh trial..

The outcome will be closely watched by athletes, administrators and legal observers alike, as it could set a precedent for how criminal charges against sports officials are handled in the future..