Delhi High Court Requests WFI’s Response to Vinesh Phogat’s Legal Challenge
The Delhi High Court has called upon the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to present its stance regarding a plea from renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat’s petition challenges the legitimacy of show-cause notices and the disciplinary actions initiated against her by the federation.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refrained from issuing a formal notice on the case. Instead, she instructed WFI’s counsel to provide necessary instructions by September 29, which is when the next hearing is scheduled.
Central to Phogat’s argument is her assertion that the notices, dated May 9 and June 17, exemplify a pattern of arbitrary and malicious actions by WFI. She contends these actions have hindered her re-entry into competitive wrestling following maternity leave. Notably, Phogat has been cleared to compete by the International Testing Agency starting January 1, 2026.
In her plea, Phogat emphasized, “The show-cause notices and subsequent proceedings pose a continuous barrier to my return to elite competition. They potentially compromise my eligibility, nomination, and participation in forthcoming events.”
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
During the session, the court also addressed a separate plea by Phogat. This appeal seeks directives for WFI to establish a fair, transparent framework facilitating the return of female athletes to competitive sports post-pregnancy and childbirth.
Phogat illustrated her situation, noting that post-childbirth, she faced challenges re-entering the competitive scene without any concessions for her maternity break. The current eligibility criteria, based on performances during her maternity period, effectively penalized her absence rather than offering an alternative path back to competition.
Justice Sharma has issued notices to the WFI, the Central Government, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) regarding this plea. The court will revisit this matter in November.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao
Representing Phogat, Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao argued the case, with the petitions filed by advocates Aashita Khanna, Ritwik Prakash, and Neil M Goswami.
