Former WFI Chief Calls for Stricter Measures to Prevent POCSO Act Abuse
Ayodhya: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has stirred fresh debate after a Delhi court dismissed a sexual harassment case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Speaking from Ayodhya, Singh claimed the law is being weaponized for personal and political vendettas, urging the government to ensure its proper use.
Court Dismisses POCSO Case
On May 26, 2025, Delhi’s Patiala House Court accepted the Delhi Police’s closure report, citing a lack of evidence to substantiate the allegations made by a minor wrestler. The complainant and her father expressed satisfaction with the police investigation, leading to the case’s dismissal. This ruling marks a significant relief for Singh, who had faced intense scrutiny following accusations by seven female wrestlers, including a minor, in 2023.
Singh’s Call for Reform
Addressing supporters in Ayodhya, Singh emphasized that the POCSO Act, enacted in 2012 to protect children from sexual offenses, is being misused to target individuals unfairly. “I demand from the sacred land of Ayodhya that the government ensure this law isn’t exploited,” he stated, adding that it should serve the vulnerable, not fuel rivalries. He referenced a 2023 Sant Sabha letter from Ayodhya, which called the POCSO Act a “cancer” used for character assassination and political conspiracies, advocating for amendments to penalize false accusers.
Political and Social Ripples
Singh’s acquittal and subsequent remarks have ignited political controversy. Supporters, including his sons Prateek and Karan Bhushan Singh, hailed the verdict as a “victory of truth,” with Prateek asserting on X that baseless allegations are being defeated in court. Critics, however, continue to question the investigation’s impartiality, alleging political influence. Posts on X reflect polarized sentiments, with some users celebrating Singh’s clearance and others, like Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, highlighting the ongoing trial for sexual harassment charges involving five other wrestlers.
The POCSO Act and Its Challenges
The POCSO Act, a stringent law designed to safeguard minors, carries a minimum three-year imprisonment for offenses like aggravated sexual assault. Legal experts note its reverse burden of proof, where the accused must disprove allegations, but courts require the prosecution to establish foundational facts. The Act’s misuse has been a contentious issue, with a 2021 Crime in India report recording 16,401 cases under Sections 8 and 10, underscoring its widespread application but also raising concerns about false complaints. Singh’s case, where the complainant’s father admitted to filing a false accusation driven by frustration, fuels this debate.
Ongoing Legal Battle
While the POCSO case has been closed, Singh still faces trial for sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation based on complaints from six female wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik. A 1,599-page chargesheet filed in 2023 details allegations from 2016-2019, with charges framed under IPC Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506. The Delhi High Court recently criticized Singh’s attempt to quash these proceedings, signaling a prolonged legal fight.
Broader Implications
Singh’s acquittal has reignited discussions on balancing robust laws with protections against their misuse. In 2023, he had planned a “Jan Chetna Maharally” in Ayodhya to demand POCSO amendments, backed by local seers, though the event was postponed. Legal scholars argue that while the Act is vital, false allegations can devastate reputations, citing cases like the 1990 Ruchika Girhotra tragedy. The ongoing wrestlers’ protest, which gained national attention in 2023, underscores systemic challenges in addressing sexual harassment in sports, with activists calling for stronger institutional accountability.