The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Delhi Police and others on a plea by seven women wrestlers seeking registration of an FIR against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, saying the matter is “serious” and requires its consideration.
In a related development, Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia on Tuesday claimed that seven female wrestlers, including a minor, who were allegedly sexually exploited, are being forced to withdraw their police complaint.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha was initially of the view that the plea may be listed for hearing on Friday.
However, after hearing some arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter, it decided to take up the case straightaway. The SC said normally a remedy to approach police is available under Section 156 (police officers’ power to investigate cognisable cases) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. “What are the charges?” it asked.
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Presenting the case, Sibal said the seven wrestlers, including a minor, have leveled sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan but no FIR has been lodged so far despite the law being very clear on this aspect. “These are women wrestlers…There are seven which include a minor. There is a committee report which has not been made public. And no FIR is registered,” he added. Referring to judgments’, the senior lawyer said even police personnel can be prosecuted for not registering an FIR in an offence of this nature. Taking note of the submissions, the bench said, “There are serious allegations made in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India and sexual harassment meted out to them. The matter requires consideration by this court.”
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“(The plea) Taken on board. The identity of the petitioners shall be redacted. Only the redacted petition shall be made available in the public domain. Issue notice. Returnable on Friday. Liberty to serve the NCT Delhi. The complaints which form a part of an attachment in sealed cover shall again be re-sealed and shall be paced again together with the … Plea,” the bench ordered. The Delhi Police was among other parties who were issued the notice. The petition said it is the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially of those who are most vulnerable.
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Earlier, protesting wrestlers held a press conference at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, alleging that some people from the WFI have approached the complainants and even offered them money. “I don’t know how this has happened but the girls who have complained are being pressured. WFI officials are going to their homes and offering money,” Punia, an Olympics medallist, said. “If something happens to those girls, the police and government will be responsible. I don’t know how the names were disclosed,” he added.
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Meanwhile, several politicians, including CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Udit Raj, AAP Spokesperson Reena Gupta ‘khap’ leaders and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) representatives met with the protesting wrestlers and extended their support to them. This is the second time in over three months that Hooda, Raj and Karat visited the protesting wrestlers to extend her support.
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Hooda, Udit Raj, another Congress leader, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, who was stopped from joining the stir by the wrestlers in January, were welcomed by the wrestlers, a day after they had sought support from all quarters.
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When Karat reached the protest site on Tuesday, the wrestlers apologised to her for the incident which happened last time. “I told them (wrestlers) that I was there the first time to express solidarity and I have come back as I fully support their demands. They told me that the Delhi Police has refused to file an FIR and is revealing the names of complainants to the WFI chief who is threatening the complainants,” Karat said.
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Hooda spent about 35 minutes with the wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar but he did not speak, but Raj asked the protesting wrestlers to stick to their cause, like the farmers did against the farm laws and said, “You will emerge victorious”.
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AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta accused the BJP government of siding with criminals and protecting the accused.
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A few kids, including one from Bhopal, offered their piggy bank, containing their savings, to the wrestlers. Punia, while thanking them, said, “You have big hearts.”
Source: Daily Pioneer
