Sexual harassment case: Delhi Police concludes arguments on charges against ex WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Delhi Police has concluded its arguments on the framing of charges against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in an alleged sexual harassment case lodged against him by women wrestlers.
This matter is at the stage of framing charges before the Rouse Avenue Court.
The Delhi Police argued that the incidents of alleged sexual harassment that took place overseas and within the country, including New Delhi, were part of the same transaction. Therefore, the court has jurisdiction to try this case.
After hearing arguments of the Delhi Police, the court listed the matter on January 20 and 23.
On the next date, the court will hear the submissions of counsel for the complainants.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot heard the arguments of Delhi Police.
Additional public prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava argued for Delhi police and submitted that the incidents of alleged sexual harassment, whether they happened overseas or within the country, were part of the same transaction. Therefore, this court has jurisdiction to hear this case.
APP Atul Srivastava also argued that to attract the section of sexual harassment, intention is not required; merely knowledge is sufficient.
On the point of delay in filing of complaints, APP Srivastava contended that this case is not time-barred as Section 354 of the IPC has been invoked, which has a maximum punishment of five years.
The APP further argued that the statement of accused Brij Bhushan, who said that he was acting in a fatherly manner while checking the breathing patterns of female wrestlers, shows he was aware of his act.
It was also submitted before the Court that the reason behind the delay in filing
