The Delhi High Court has opened the door for prominent Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, to legally contest the Central Government’s recent decision to revoke the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This ruling came after the Centre lifted the suspension imposed on WFI due to governance lapses, a decision that has since sparked considerable controversy within the sporting community.
On Tuesday, a bench consisting of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela not only allowed the challenge but also urged the single judge responsible for overseeing the wrestlers’ plea against the WFI’s 2023 election to expedite the proceedings. The court’s directive aims to address the unresolved legal and administrative issues surrounding the governance of the wrestling body.
The suspension, initially put in place on December 24, 2023, followed allegations of procedural mismanagement during the elections held just days prior, on December 21, 2023. However, the Ministry of Sports revoked this suspension on March 10, citing compliance by the new WFI body with the required governance standards, thereby restoring its status as a national sports federation.
During the proceedings, the court highlighted that the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee, which had temporarily taken over the federation’s affairs, was only meant to function while the suspension was active. With the suspension lifted, the bench observed that there was no longer a matter to adjudicate in the WFI’s appeal against the single judge’s order that had reinstated the IOA’s ad-hoc committee.
Counsel representing the wrestlers voiced concerns about the treatment of athletes and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process that led to the revocation of the WFI’s suspension. The counsel pointed out that the basis for this decision, a spot inspection report, had not been made available for review.
The High Court clarified that it was not challenging the Centre’s decision directly but emphasized that the wrestlers could seek judicial review if they wished to access supporting documents or contest the revocation itself. The court expressed its intention to ensure that the administrative turmoil does not hinder the participation of the Indian wrestling team in upcoming international events, such as the Asian Championship in Jordan.
The union sports ministry, while lifting the WFI’s suspension, mandated that the federation adhere to strict guidelines to maintain fairness and transparency in its operations. This includes ensuring a balance of power among elected office bearers and maintaining a distance from any officials who have been suspended or terminated.
