The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide two pending show-cause notices against wrestler Vinesh Phogat within two weeks, while protecting her from the immediate consequences of any decision taken after that period.
Justice Amit Mahajan, in an order dated October 29, recognised Phogat’s concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the disciplinary proceedings, particularly as she intends to participate in a national wrestling tournament scheduled for mid-December.
The court directed that any decision taken on the notices after the two-week period would remain in abeyance until the next hearing on January 20, 2027.
Court Recognises Wrestler’s Concerns Over Pending Proceedings
During the hearing, Phogat’s senior counsel submitted that the WFI had not passed any final order on the show-cause notices issued on May 9 and June 17.
Although Phogat currently faces no restriction on participating in upcoming tournaments, her counsel argued that an adverse decision shortly before a competition could leave her without an effective remedy.
The lawyer also informed the court that Phogat wished to compete in a national tournament expected to take place in mid-December. The unresolved disciplinary proceedings, counsel submitted, continued to create uncertainty over her participation.
Justice Mahajan found the concern genuine, observing that athletes must be mentally prepared and free from unnecessary uncertainty when participating in competitive sporting events.
The court stated that a sportsperson must remain physically fit and mentally relaxed to compete without compromising performance.
Accordingly, it directed the respondents to decide the disputed notices within two weeks and ordered that any decision taken after that deadline would remain in abeyance until the next hearing.
Phogat Challenges Disciplinary Action and Eligibility Restrictions
The proceedings arise from Phogat’s petition seeking the quashing of two show-cause notices issued by the WFI over allegations of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. She has also challenged the disciplinary proceedings initiated against her.
In her petition, Phogat alleged that the federation’s actions form part of a continuing pattern of arbitrary and mala fide conduct aimed at obstructing her return to competitive wrestling following maternity.
She contended that the International Testing Agency had cleared her to compete from January 1, 2026, but the WFI subsequently introduced an eligibility framework that effectively prevented her from participating in the selection process.
According to the petition, the federation then issued its first show-cause notice, alleging violations relating to anti-doping requirements and whereabouts obligations.
Phogat maintained that the notices and the resulting proceedings continue to affect her prospects of returning to elite-level competition. She argued that the pending action could adversely affect her eligibility, selection and participation in forthcoming tournaments.
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the WFI and the Centre on her petition.
The matter will be heard next on January 20, 2027.
