Hugging Woman Without Sexual Intent Not An Offence: Wrestling Body Chief Tells Court

New Delhi: Outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers, defended himself in court with the argument that hugging a woman sans sexual intent doesn’t represent an offence.

“Hugging… touching a woman without criminal force or sexual intent is not an offence,”

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, appearing at Rouse Avenue Court for Brij Bhushan, argued that allegations of women wrestlers against the six-time BJP Member of Parliament were time-barred.

Referring to a specific allegation of one of the wrestlers, who accused Brij Bhushan of hugging her for 20-25 seconds at Delhi’s Ashoka Road and Siri Fort Auditorium, the BJP MP’s lawyer said it was common for a coach to hug players during an event.

“Two offences are related to Ashoka Road and Siri Fort. Offence at Siri Fort is only of hugging… touching a woman without a criminal force or sexual intent is not an offence,” Mohan was quoted as saying by PTI.

Mohan told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal that the trial on incidents that allegedly occurred in Mongolia and Jakarta cannot take place in India.

Mohan quoted CrPC to make the point that the trial must take place where the incidents had occurred.

Brij Bhushan’s lawyer also questioned timing of the complaints.

“A complaint was filed in 2023 based on alleged incidents of 2017 and 2018,” Mohan said, adding that no strong reason was given behind the delay in raising the issues except that there was a career concern.

Brij Bhushan’s lawyer further said that a trial based on complaints registered in Karanataka’s Bellari or Lucknow cannot be conducted in Delhi.

The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Brij Bhushan was granted bail by Rouse Avenue court on July 20 in the sexual harassment case.