Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), defended herself against the sexual harassment allegations in court, saying: "Hug... no force or sexual intent is not an offense."
Lawyer Rajiv Mohan, representing Brij Bhushan Singh at Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, also argued that the allegations made by the female wrestlers against the BJP congressman are timed.
Lawyers said wrestling events feature mostly male coaches. "If a player is hugged by a male coach, because he's nervous or because of a good performance, that's normal," he said.
"We see on TV... it's not just female coaches hugging female players," he added. Submitting to Metropolitan Additional Chief Justice Harjeet Singh Jaspal, Rajiv Mohan said the trial of the alleged case in Mongolia and Jakarta could not be held in India.
Citing the CPC, he said that the trial should take place at the place where the incident occurred. Brij Bhushan's lawyer also questioned the timing of the complaint.
"A complaint was filed in 2023 based on the alleged incidents of 2017 and 2018," adding that no good reason was given behind the delay in stating. matter except for reasons related to the profession.
Brij Bhushan's lawyer further asserted that a trial based on claims registered in Bellari or Lucknow of Karnataka could not be conducted in Delhi. The court will resume hearing the case on Thursday.
Brij Bhushan Singh released on bail
On July 20, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court granted Brij Bhushan bail in a sexual harassment case. The order was given by Judge Harjeet Singh Jaspal.
The court also said that Brij Bhushan could not leave the country without permission. Moreover, he cannot directly or indirectly threaten those who have complained against him.
