Wrestlers Protest to continue after Supreme Court verdict, says Sakshi Malik

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Wrestlers' Protest to continue said the elite wrestlers while addressing the media on Thursday following the Supreme Court's decision to close the hearing on the plea for FIR against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations.

The wrestlers have been sitting on protest since April 23, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan alleging that he has sexually harassed seven female grapplers, including one minor.

The Apex court on Thursday closed the proceedings on a plea by three women wrestlers -- who have levelled sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan -- after noting that FIRs have been registered and the seven complainants have been provided adequate security.

"We respect the Supreme Court order, protest will continue," Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik said. "Supreme Court order is not a setback, it did what it could in this matter."

The wrestlers further said that they will decide the future course of action after consulting their seniors. "We have all options open, will decide after consulting seniors," Vinesh Phogat said.

A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud refused to entertain an oral plea by the counsel representing the wrestlers that the ongoing probe be monitored by a retired or a serving high court judge.

"You came here with specific prayers for registration of FIR and security for the complainants. Now both of your prayers have been addressed. If you have any further grievances, you can very well approach the high court or the jurisdictional magistrate," the bench said.