POCSO Case Closed as Court Accepts Closure Report, Cites Retraction

A Delhi court has officially closed the sexual harassment case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The closure comes after the Delhi Police submitted a cancellation report, marking the end of a case that had sparked nationwide protests and rocked India’s wrestling community.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Gomti Manocha of the Patiala House Courts accepted the police’s report on Monday, bringing an end to proceedings in which a minor female wrestler had earlier accused Singh of sexual misconduct—an allegation that had triggered serious legal implications under the POCSO Act, which mandates a minimum sentence of three years for confirmed offences.

Complainant and Her Father Retract Allegations in Court

The Delhi Police had filed the closure report on June 15, 2023, concluding that there was “no corroborative evidence” to support the minor’s allegations. In a critical turn of events, the complainant’s father admitted during the investigation that the complaint had been fabricated to “settle personal scores” against Singh due to a perceived injustice involving his daughter.

Both the complainant and her father appeared before the court and confirmed their satisfaction with the police investigation. They stated they had no objections to the report, essentially withdrawing the allegations.

Earlier, in a 2023 in-chamber hearing, the minor had already informed the presiding judge that she did not wish to pursue the matter further. In light of these developments, the court summoned the complainant again on May 26, 2025, before officially accepting the closure report and declaring the case closed.

Other Sexual Harassment Cases Against Singh Still Pending

While the closure of the POCSO case offers Singh partial relief, it is far from the end of his legal troubles. Singh continues to face serious charges of sexual harassment filed by six other female wrestlers in a separate case that is still pending before other courts. These cases include charges of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Singh, a former Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh and a senior BJP leader, has consistently denied all allegations. He maintains that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

A Political Career Undone by Allegations

Even Without Conviction, Accusations Cost Singh His Parliamentary Seat and Reputation

While the POCSO case may be closed in the eyes of the law, its political and personal consequences for Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have been significant. Merely an accusation—later admitted as fabricated—was enough to see him ousted from his parliamentary role and subjected to public condemnation.

This case highlights a sobering reality in Indian public life: in the age of media trials and public outrage, even unverified or withdrawn allegations can irreparably damage careers and reputations. For politicians, the burden of proof often becomes irrelevant in the face of public perception.

As Singh continues to defend himself against the remaining allegations, his case raises pressing questions about how India navigates the delicate balance between believing survivors and ensuring that justice is not compromised by false or politically charged complaints.