Bombay High Court Directs Police to Record Statement of MMA Athlete Alleging Sexual Harassment

Strategic Insights -

A woman mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete broke down in court while narrating allegations of sexual harassment against the president of her sports federation, prompting the Bombay High Court to direct the police to record her statement. The court also observed that the athlete was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by the president, who had sent her "inundated with sexual innuendos" via Instagram messages. The court expressed shock at the fact that no sports authority had supported the athlete, and instead, the president of the federation was allowed to continue in his position despite the allegations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bombay High Court has directed the police to record the statement of a woman MMA athlete who accused the president of her sports federation of sexual harassment.
  • The athlete broke down in court while narrating the allegations, which included being subjected to repeated sexual harassment by the president who sent her "inundated with sexual innuendos" via Instagram messages.
  • The court observed that no sports authority, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the rival federation, had supported the athlete.
  • The president of the federation has stepped down from his post as an undertaking to the court.
  • The court has passed interim directions to ensure that athletes selected by the unrecognised federation, MMAI, get a fair chance to participate in the Asian Youth MMA Championship in Bahrain.
  • The IOA has been asked to process a fresh recognition application from MMAI as per the law.

Statistics:

  • 1 woman MMA athlete broke down in court while narrating allegations of sexual harassment against the president of her sports federation.
  • 1 petition was filed by MMAI seeking recognition from the IOA and a stay on the recognition granted to a rival federation, MMASFI.
  • 5 athletes selected by MMASFI will consider selecting extra athletes from MMAI to participate in the Asian Youth MMA Championship in Bahrain.
  • 1 interim order was passed by the court to ensure that athletes selected by MMAI get a fair chance to participate in the Asian Youth MMA Championship in Bahrain.

Sources:

  • Urvi Mahajani, Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the police to record the statement of a woman mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete who broke down in court while narrating allegations of sexual harassment against the president of her sports federation (Contify.com, Copyright 2025 Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.)