4 wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan’s acquittal, call trial court verdict ‘archaic, stereotypical’
They argue the judgment was based on outdated assumptions and inadequate evidence, with a hearing set for September 26.
Four women wrestlers challenged the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case on Friday. They criticized the trial court's August 3 judgment as "archaic" and based on "stereotypical assumptions". The criminal revision petition was filed before special judge Digvinay Singh of Rouse Avenue Courts, with a hearing scheduled for September 26.
The petition argued that the acquittal was "unsustainable in law" and based on "conjectures and surmises" rather than a proper assessment of evidence. The petition alleged that the trial court relied on "archaic and stereotypical assumptions about the expected behavior of victims of sexual assault and harassment, rather than on a fair, evidence-based evaluation".
It also stated that the court failed to comprehend why women facing workplace sexual harassment may choose to remain silent to protect their employment. The court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on August 3, citing a lack of evidence. The court declared the allegations "false" and "fabricated", suggesting they were part of a "deep conspiracy appearing politically motivated".
The court pointed out contradictions in witnesses' statements, inconsistencies in documentary evidence, and the absence of contemporaneous complaints. The reporter, Arnabjit Sur, covers stories from Delhi's trial courts, primarily focusing on crime and legal cases.
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