New Delhi, Oct 30: The Delhi High Court has instructed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to make a decision regarding the show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat within a two-week timeframe.
The court noted that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the disciplinary actions could hinder the three-time Olympian’s preparations and performance in forthcoming competitions.
A single-judge bench led by Justice Amit Mahajan, while reviewing Phogat’s appeal against the notices dated May 9 and June 17, emphasized the necessity for athletes to maintain a calm and focused mindset for competitive events. The court mandated the WFI to finalize the proceedings within the specified period.
Justice Mahajan remarked, “The concerns raised by the petitioner seem valid. An athlete must be in a relaxed and fit mental state to compete effectively, ensuring their performance is not compromised.”
The High Court also stated that if the WFI reaches a decision on the show-cause notices after the two-week period, that decision will be suspended until the next hearing.
During the hearing, senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing Phogat, highlighted her intention to compete in a national tournament scheduled for mid-December, stressing the need for sufficient preparation time.
Rao argued that the pending show-cause notices loomed over Phogat like a “sword of Damocles,” creating uncertainty regarding potential disciplinary actions that could impact her future tournament participation.
He pointed out that while no final decision had been made on the notices, Phogat feared that an unfavorable ruling could emerge just before a competition, leaving her little time to seek legal recourse.
In response to these arguments, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the WFI, the Union government, and other involved parties.
Their respective legal representatives acknowledged the notice, and the court instructed them to submit responses before the next hearing.
This latest development occurs amid Phogat’s ongoing legal disputes with the WFI regarding disciplinary actions and the regulations governing her return to competitive wrestling after maternity leave.
Phogat has contested the two show-cause notices from the WFI, asserting that they are part of a broader pattern of arbitrary actions aimed at hindering her return to the sport post-pregnancy.
In a separate ruling, the High Court had previously denied her immediate relief to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships, stating that the eligibility criteria, which apply equally to all athletes, could not be adjusted in her favor at this interim stage. She has challenged the WFI’s eligibility standards, arguing that they lack a suitable mechanism for athletes returning to competition after pregnancy and childbirth.