- In some of the most unprecedented scenes seen in recent times, a few internationally renowned wrestlers who had brought laurels to the country came out onto the roads, demanding justice for fellow female athletes. Their demand for justice against Wrestlers Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan, a BJP MP, for allegedly committing sexual harassment against a minor has succeeded in catching the attention of all stakeholders. Note that seven female wrestlers, including a minor, had alleged sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against the WFI president, demanding the registration of an FIR. On the directions of the Supreme Court, the Delhi Police have registered two FIRs against the WFI president and his associate.
PC: freepik
- The first FIR pertained to allegations against a minor wrestler and was registered under the POCSO Act; the second was based on the complaints of the women wrestlers, named Singh, and his associate. It is disheartening to see professional wrestlers protesting in the streets for justice when law enforcement authorities ought to have taken this into serious consideration from the start. It was inevitable that the political parties, sensing an opportunity to fish in the troubled waters, would make a beeline by extending support to the agitating wrestlers. It’s precisely what’s happening right now, as more opposition politicians are visiting the protest site to extend support. It’s sad to see the situation come to such a halt now.
- Of course, there are conflicting notes emanating from different quarters about the protest. Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, an Indian sporting legend, feels wrestlers protesting in public are sullying the image of the country. Opposition politicians are wholeheartedly extending support to the ruling dispensation for failing to act on those allegations. Note that the wrestlers’ protests, for the second time this year, are to express their dissatisfaction with the administration’s response to their sexual harassment complaint. Mind you, it can’t be easy for Olympic medalists and serious sportspeople to take to the streets and put up with the attendant discomfort. This should make sports administrators think again.
PC: freepik
- Needless to mention, protests are inherent in democracy. No grievance redressal mechanism can be perfect. Sometimes they fall far short of qualifying as even acceptable. In a democratic framework, a protest is the default option to express deep dissatisfaction. Instead of accusing protesters of tarnishing India’s image, the IOA should make a sincere effort to understand their fear. Protests don’t affect a country’s image. It’s the insensitivity of people in power, i.e., sports administrators here, that reflects poorly on their reputation. Yes, a protest is a symptom of an underlying problem and also acts as a pressure relief valve. Now that the FIRs have been filed, speedy action from the authorities should be taken to address the allegations.
