The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice on a
plea by the country's seven top wrestlers seeking a direction for the
registration of an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij
Bhushan Sharan Singh.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y.
Chandrachud and comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha, said: "There are
serious allegation in plea on behest of international wrestlers with regards to
sexual harassment meted out to them. Issue notice returnable on Friday. Liberty
to serve standing counsel NCT Delhi. The complaints which form an attachment in
sealed cover and shall be again resealeda.".
The plea was mentioned before the bench by senior
advocates Kapil Sibal and Narendra Hooda, representing the wrestlers.
Sibal submitted that this is the wrestlers' matter
and they are sitting in dharna, and seven women have complained and one is a
minor.
He stressed that an FIR has not been registered and
added that the plea seeks one against Singh over alleged sexual harassment by
women wrestlers.
During the hearing, Sibal argued that there is a
committee report which has not been made public.
The Chief Justice asked Sibal to show the case
papers.
Sibal said please see the complaint by the minor,
the young girl had won a gold medal and added even the police personnel can be
prosecuted for not registering an FIR.
He emphasized that the court should look at the
allegations and the police are not acting.
After hearing submissions, the top court sought
response from the Delhi Police.
According to the plea, the wrestlers have cited an
inordinate delay in registration of FIR by the Delhi Police against the WFI
Presdent and urged the apex court to issue a direction to police to lodge a
case.
The top court agreed with the petitioners to
suppress their identity mentioned in the petition.