Delhi court gives Brij Bhushan more time to reply in wrestlers' case

A Delhi court on Friday granted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh time to file his reply to an appeal against his acquittal in a sexual harassment case. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh posted the next hearing for October 28. The court also asked the Delhi Police if it plans to file an appeal, and the public prosecutor sought 15 days to inform the court about that decision. Mr. Singh was present in the court during the hearing, along with former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, who was also issued a notice. Four women grapplers filed the criminal appeal on September 25 challenging the August 3 magisterial court order that cleared Mr. Singh due to a lack of evidence. The wrestlers state that the earlier acquittal is wrong in law and relies on selective and faulty reading of evidence. Judge Singh noted that once arguments start, the court proceedings will take place behind closed doors.

Context

Court revisions and appeals allow higher judicial review when petitioners argue that a lower court made a major legal error or ignored key evidence. Such legal processes often involve multiple hearings where all sides must formally submit their replies before oral arguments can begin.