New Delhi, Oct 30: The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take a decision on two show-cause notices issued to wrestler
Vinesh Phogat within two weeks, while ensuring that any decision taken remains on hold until the next hearing in January 2027.
Justice Amit Mahajan passed the order on October 29 while hearing Phogat's petition challenging the notices, which relate to alleged violations of anti-doping regulations and misconduct.
The court also acknowledged the wrestler's concerns about the pending disciplinary proceedings affecting her preparation for upcoming competitions. Observing that athletes need to be mentally relaxed to perform at their best, the judge termed Phogat's apprehension genuine.
"A sportsperson has to be in a fit and relaxed state of mind to participate in any competitive event of such nature as indicated so that their performance is not compromised in any way," the court observed.
The WFI has been asked to decide on the notices issued on May 9 and June 17 within a fortnight. However, even if the federation reaches a decision within that period, it will remain in abeyance until the next hearing, scheduled for January 20, 2027. The court also issued notices to the WFI and the Centre on Phogat's petition.
Vinesh Phogat Raises Concerns Over Upcoming Competitions
During the hearing, Phogat's senior counsel informed the court that the wrestler intends to compete in a national tournament expected to take place in mid-December. Although no final decision had been issued on the show-cause notices, her legal team expressed concern that an adverse order ahead of the competition could leave her with limited options for relief.
The counsel argued that the unresolved proceedings were hanging over Phogat and could affect her return to competitive wrestling.
In her petition, the wrestler has sought the quashing of both notices, alleging that the WFI has engaged in a continuing pattern of arbitrary and mala fide actions that have hindered her comeback to the sport following maternity.
Why Did WFI Issue Notices to Vinesh Phogat?
The first show-cause notice, issued on May 9, declared Phogat ineligible to participate in WFI competitions and events until June 26. The federation cited several issues, including allegations concerning the Paris 2024 Olympics weigh-in, anti-doping whereabouts requirements, her temporary retirement and participation in two weight categories during the 2024 selection trials.
A second notice followed on June 17 over alleged misconduct during the Asian Games selection trials held in May.
Phogat has challenged the federation's actions, maintaining that the International Testing Agency (ITA) had cleared her to compete from January 1, 2026. Despite this, she alleged, the WFI introduced an eligibility framework that effectively kept her out of the selection process before initiating disciplinary proceedings over alleged anti-doping and whereabouts violations.
Her petition argues that the notices and the proceedings arising from them could jeopardise her eligibility, nomination and participation in upcoming international competitions.
The latest development follows an earlier order dated July 6, when the High Court had granted the WFI two weeks to decide on the May 9 notice in connection with Phogat's plea concerning the Asian Games selection trials. The matter will now come up for further hearing on January 20, 2027.
