Sandeep Singh Gets Relief From Chandigarh Court - Police Bid to Add Attempted Rape Charges Rejected
Former Haryana Sports Minister and ex-Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh, who has been facing a harassment case filed by a female coach, received a significant legal reprieve on Tuesday. The Chandigarh District Court dismissed a police application seeking to add more serious charges to the case — specifically sections related to attempted rape under the Indian Penal Code.
What the Police Had Requested
The Chandigarh Police had filed an application in court arguing that the case was more serious than the charges currently framed against Sandeep Singh. Based on the victim's testimony, the police contended that the alleged incident did not amount to mere sexual harassment but constituted attempted rape.
Accordingly, the police sought to add Sections 376 and 511 of the Indian Penal Code to the case — provisions that deal with rape and attempt to commit an offence punishable with life imprisonment, respectively. The police also requested that the matter be transferred to a special court given the gravity of the proposed charges.
The Defence's Argument
Advocate Siddhant Pandit, appearing on behalf of Sandeep Singh, argued against the application. The defence maintained that the existing charges in the case had already been properly established through the investigation, and that there was no legal or evidentiary basis to now introduce additional and far more serious sections.
After hearing detailed arguments from both sides, the court agreed with the defence's position and dismissed the Chandigarh Police's application. The request to frame charges of attempted rape against Sandeep Singh has been rejected for now.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to late 2022, when a female coach associated with Haryana's sports department filed a complaint against Sandeep Singh, alleging sexual harassment. The complaint caused significant political upheaval at the time, eventually leading to Sandeep Singh's resignation from the Haryana cabinet, where he had been serving as Sports Minister.
Sandeep Singh had a distinguished career as a professional hockey player before entering politics. He captained the Indian national hockey team and was known for his powerful drag-flick — a reputation that made his fall from public grace all the more stark when the allegations came to light.
What This Decision Means
The court's rejection of the police application is a procedural victory for Sandeep Singh's legal team, but it does not mean the case is closed or that he has been cleared of the existing charges. The original harassment case continues, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
The court has, for now, declined to elevate the severity of the charges. Whether the police choose to challenge this decision in a higher court remains to be seen.
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