Sexual Harassment Acquittal Appeal: Delhi Court Grants Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Final Opportunity to File Response Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has set a strict deadline for former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to reply to an appeal against his acquittal, scheduling the next hearing for November 20. In a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the sexual harassment allegations by female wrestlers, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has issued a final ultimatum to former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court directed him to file his formal written response to an appeal that challenges his acquittal in the case. During the hearing, counsel representing the accused appeared via video conferencing and requested a one-week extension to submit the reply. Granting the request, the sessions court firmly stated that no further time would be granted beyond the next scheduled hearing on November 20. Court Directives and Identity Protection Measures The latest directive follows notice issued on September 28 by the Rouse Avenue Court to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, requiring them to present their stance on the appeal. Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat represented the state during these proceedings. To ensure the complete confidentiality and safety of the complainants, the court has mandated strict identity protection protocols. According to the judicial directions, all original affidavits and associated court orders containing the victims' personal details must be secured in a sealed cover. Furthermore, the appellants were instructed to file a redacted version of the petition from which all references to the identity of the complainants have been removed. Arguments Challenging the Acquittal Order The appeal filed by the female wrestlers directly challenges the August 3 ruling delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashu Panwar, which had acquitted both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI secretary Vinod Tomar of all charges. Challenging the verdict, the petitioners argued that the magistrate court's order is legally unsustainable and unsustainable in law. The appeal contends that the lower court engaged in a flawed and selective interpretation of the material evidence available on record, arriving at conclusions rooted in speculation rather than established judicial principles. Questioning Stereotypical Assumptions on Victim Behavior A central argument in the appeal highlights that the trial court's acquittal relied heavily on outdated and stereotypical notions regarding the expected behavior of women facing sexual harassment and molestation. The petitioners asserted that instead of objectively evaluating the evidence within the specific context and high-pressure circumstances faced by the victims, the court judged their responses against archaic expectations. The case involves allegations of sexual harassment reported to have occurred both within India and at international locations during Brij Bhushan's tenure as WFI chief, with trial proceedings originally conducted in camera. Statutory Provisions and Background of the Case The legal battle originates from complaints lodged by prominent female wrestlers against the leadership of the Wrestling Federation of India. Following its investigation, Delhi Police filed charges under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 354, Section 354D, Section 354A, Section 506(1), and Section 109. Following the in-camera trial that led to the ACJM court's acquittal order, the complainants sought recourse before the higher forum. The upcoming hearing on November 20 remains crucial as the court reviews whether to admit the appeal for detailed re-examination. What this means for you This judicial proceeding sends a clear message regarding accountability in sports governing bodies and the protection of complainants in sexual harassment cases. • Across India: The strict enforcement of identity protection and fair hearing procedures sets an important benchmark for female athletes across the nation. It assures sports figures that legal mechanisms exist to review trial court verdicts without bias. • In Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court's firm timeline for filing responses reflects an effort to prevent procedural delays in high-profile criminal appeals within the capital's legal system. Why this happened This judicial directive arose after female wrestlers filed an appeal against the trial court's order acquitting the former WFI leadership. • Trial Court Acquittal: On August 3, the magistrate court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of all charges following an in-camera trial. • Appeal by Complainants: The wrestlers challenged the verdict in the sessions court, alleging that the lower court relied on speculative assumptions and stereotyped notions of victim behavior. • Procedural Deadline: After defense counsel requested more time to file written submissions, the court issued a final deadline ahead of the November 20 hearing. Questions & Answers 1. What order did the Rouse Avenue Court issue to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh? The court granted him a final opportunity to submit his response to the appeal challenging his acquittal, setting a one-week deadline. 2. When is the next hearing scheduled in this case? The sessions court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20. 3. On what grounds have the wrestlers challenged the acquittal? The wrestlers argued that the trial court verdict relied on speculative assumptions and outdated stereotypes regarding victim behavior. 4. When was the original acquittal order passed? The additional chief judicial magistrate acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar on August 3. https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/female-wrestlers-appeal-delhi-court-gives-brij-bhushan-sharan-singh-final-chance-to-respond-52723 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.