Vinesh Phogat and the six women wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment have announced that they will challenge a Delhi court's decision acquitting him, saying they still believe justice can be achieved through the legal process. Wrestlers Decide to Challenge the Court's Decision A day after a Delhi court acquitted former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case, Olympic wrestler and Haryana MLA Vinesh Phogat confirmed that the complainants will file an appeal before a higher court. Speaking after the verdict, Vinesh said the women wrestlers have not lost hope despite the setback. She said the legal fight is not over and that the victims will continue seeking justice through the judicial system. According to her, the legal team is preparing the necessary documents to challenge the acquittal. The case has remained one of India's most closely watched sporting and legal controversies over the last few years. It led to nationwide protests by several top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, who demanded action against the former wrestling federation chief. The Delhi court's verdict has now reopened public debate over athlete safety, women's rights in sports, and accountability within sports bodies. What Did Vinesh Phogat Say? Reacting to the judgment, Vinesh Phogat expressed disappointment over the outcome. She alleged that the complainants had faced a difficult battle from the beginning and claimed that powerful people had supported Brij Bhushan throughout the case. She said the women wrestlers would not give up because they believe their fight is about justice and protecting future athletes. Vinesh also stated that many young female wrestlers should not have to fear harassment while pursuing their careers. According to reports, she said that although the court has delivered its verdict, the legal process still allows the complainants to challenge the decision before a higher court. Several supporters of the protesting wrestlers also backed the decision to appeal. They argued that the matter concerns not only the complainants but also the larger issue of creating a safe environment for women in Indian sports. Why Did the Court Acquit Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh? The Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar after examining the evidence and hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. While the detailed judgment runs into several pages, reports indicate that the court found that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The defence had argued that there were inconsistencies and contradictions in witness statements and delays related to the complaints. Following the verdict, Brij Bhushan maintained that he had always considered himself innocent and described the allegations against him as politically motivated. He said he had complete faith in the judiciary and welcomed the judgment. The acquittal does not prevent the complainants from approaching a higher court. Under Indian law, an acquittal can be challenged through an appeal if the complainants or prosecution believe there are legal grounds to do so. Background of the Case The controversy first came into national focus in 2023 when several leading Indian wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. The protests at Jantar Mantar attracted nationwide attention and received support from athletes, political leaders and civil society groups. The wrestlers demanded his arrest and sought major reforms in the Wrestling Federation of India. Following intervention by the Supreme Court, Delhi Police registered FIRs against Brij Bhushan. One complaint under the POCSO Act was later withdrawn after the minor complainant changed her statement, while the case involving six adult women wrestlers continued before the trial court. The legal proceedings continued for several years before the Delhi court pronounced its verdict acquitting both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar. What Happens Next? The next major legal step is the appeal that Vinesh Phogat and the women wrestlers have announced. If the appeal is admitted by the higher court, the judges may review the trial court's findings, examine the legal arguments presented by both sides, and decide whether the acquittal should stand or whether further proceedings are required. Legal experts say appellate courts generally examine whether the trial court correctly appreciated the evidence and followed established legal principles. They do not automatically conduct a fresh trial but can intervene if they find significant legal or procedural errors. For Indian wrestling, the controversy has already had a lasting impact. The protests led to intense discussions on athlete welfare, internal complaint mechanisms, governance reforms, and the responsibilities of sports federations. Although the trial court has delivered its judgment, the dispute is likely to remain in public focus as the appeal moves through the judicial process. The complainants have made it clear that they intend to continue their legal battle, while Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has welcomed the acquittal and reiterated his confidence in the judicial system. The outcome of the appeal, whenever it is heard, could become another important chapter in one of the most significant legal cases involving Indian sport in recent years.
