Court Charges BJP’s Brij Bhushan with Sufficient Material Against Accused No.1

The Rouse Avenue court has ordered the framing of charges against Brij Bhushan under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including outraging a woman’s modesty, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and stalking. The court found sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial, expressing that charges should also be framed against former assistant secretary of the Federation, Vinod Tomar. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 21. Brij Bhushan, a six-time MP, has been embroiled in controversy since last year when sexual harassment charges were brought against him.

This led to protests by prominent athletes and a suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India’s managing committee by the sports ministry. Despite the allegations, Brij Bhushan has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The recent order by the court gained mixed reactions, with Brij Bhushan asserting his readiness to face the trial, while one of the accusers, Sakshee Malikkh, considered it a small step towards victory. The case has also witnessed political implications, as the BJP decided to field Brij Bhushan’s son as a candidate for the Kaiserganj seat following the controversy.

The court specified that charges will be framed against Brij Bhushan for sexually harassing five wrestlers, and he stands discharged in the allegations by the sixth. Following the court’s decision, Sakshee Malikkh expressed disappointment, stating that justice has not been achieved despite their efforts to hold Brij Bhushan accountable. The case is a significant development in the political and legal landscape, reflecting the impact of the allegations on both the sporting community and the political sphere.