The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Sanjeev Narula, has called upon the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to respond to the petition filed by prominent wrestler Bajrang Punia, who is contesting his recent suspension. This legal move comes just before the Senior World Wrestling Championships scheduled for October in Albania, where Punia aims to compete.
During the proceedings, Punia’s legal team, led by senior advocate Rajiv Dutta, pushed for interim relief, although no formal application was submitted for this request. Dutta voiced concerns about what he described as “hounding” of the athlete, emphasizing the urgency due to the upcoming World Championship and Punia’s need to resume training.
The court raised questions regarding Punia’s refusal to submit a sample for doping tests, highlighting the dilemma of allowing him to participate without a completed test. In his defense, Punia cited issues with the use of an “outdated kit” for the testing process and has sought clarifications from the authorities.
This legal battle follows a series of contentious actions against Punia, who faced suspension on June 21 after the Anti-Disciplinary Doping (ADDP) panel initially revoked a previous suspension due to NADA’s failure to issue a “notice of charge.” Punia was first suspended on April 23 after he declined to provide a urine sample during selection trials in March, a decision that was also enforced by the United Wrestling World (UWW), the sport’s global governing body.
Punia’s petition, crafted by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, argues that NADA’s actions breach the established testing guidelines and infringe upon his fundamental rights to practice his profession and earn a livelihood as guaranteed by the Constitution. The wrestler, known for his activism including last year’s protest at Jantar Mantar against the then WFI chief for alleged sexual harassment of female grapplers, contends that the suspension, if upheld, could force him into premature retirement.
