THE Delhi Policeon Wednesday told the Supreme Court that some kind of preliminary probe was needed before it can proceed with the registrationo fan FIR over sexual harassment allegations levelled by seven women wrestlers againstWFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha was told by Solicitor GeneralTusharMehta,appearingfor theDelhiPolice, thatifthetopcourt felt that an FIR was to be lodged straightaway then it may be done.

 

“However, the police felt there are some issues which needed preliminary inquiry before theregistration of the FIR,” the top law officer said. “You know Solicitor we also don’t do something without hearing the other side andunlesswehave some material. Please furnish the material which you have on Friday...We took it up as this involves a minor etc,” the CJI said. The law officer said let an impression be not created that the FIR has not been registered despite the court asking for it.

 

The bench took note of the submissions of Mehta, and said Delhi Police may put forth their views on registration of the FIR on April 28 when the plea of wrestlers will be heard. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing forthe wrestlers, said he would be filing some additional material on the matter. The top court on Tuesday issued notices to the Delhi Police and others on a plea by the seven women wrestlers, saying thematteris“serious” andrequires its consideration. Several national award winning wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar here demanding the government make public the findingsofanoversightpanelthatinvestigated the sexual harassment allegations againstSingh,alsoa BJPMP.