New Delhi: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry and several sports federations including WFI, SAI, and BCCI for reportedly not having Internal Complaints Committees to address the complaints of sexual harassment. The notices have been issued in light of the ongoing wrestlers’ protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who is alleged of sexual harassment.
NHRC took the suo moto cognizance of the matter after a media report said that there is no Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in WFI while an ICC is mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.
The commission, in its official statement, said that about 15 of the 30 national sports federations in India do not have an ICC or a properly functioning ICC. NHRC has demanded a detailed report within four weeks from the federations in which they will have to give the status of the ICC and the steps taken to address the issue if there is no ICC.
NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) issues notices to the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, SAI, BCCI, WFI, and 15 National Sports Federations for reportedly not having Internal Complaints Committee as per the law to address the complaints of sexual harassment pic.twitter.com/lamglxUtQw
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2023
NHRC said that the media report pointed out that four federations lack the required number of members while six of them do not have mandatory external members.
The report cited the names of BCCI, WFI, and federations for Volleyball, Basketball, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Canoeing, Judo, and others.
In the recent development of the case against Brij Bhushan, the minor, who was allegedly sexually harassed, has recorded her statement before a magistrate. Delhi Police has registered the statements of six other complainants and several witnesses and has also filed an FIR after the case went to the Supreme Court.
SC closed the case after fulfilling the demand for FIR and laying the directions for Delhi Police. Wrestlers are continuing to protest asking for Brij Bhushan’s arrest and also wore black bands to protest against the delay in the case.
