New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide within two weeks on the show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The court stated that the uncertainty surrounding disciplinary action could impact three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s preparation and performance in upcoming competitions.
A single bench of Justice Amit Mahajan was hearing Vinesh Phogat’s petition challenging the show-cause notices issued on May 9 and June 17.
During the hearing, the court stated that an athlete must be physically fit, as well as mentally calm and stress-free, to participate in competitions. Therefore, the WFI was directed to complete the disciplinary proceedings within the stipulated time.
Justice Mahajan said, “The concerns raised by the petitioner appear to be genuine. To participate in such a competition, it is essential for the athlete to be physically fit and mentally relaxed so that her performance is not negatively impacted.”
The High Court also directed that if the WFI takes a decision on these show-cause notices after two weeks, that decision will be stayed until the next hearing.
Vinesh wants to participate in the national championship in December
During the hearing, senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing Vinesh Phogat, told the court that the wrestler wants to participate in the national championship to be held in mid-December. She needs sufficient time to prepare for it.
He argued that both show-cause notices have been pending for a long time and are like a “sword of Damocles” hanging over the athlete’s head. This creates uncertainty about what kind of disciplinary action may be taken against her. This could also impact her participation in future competitions.
The lawyer stated that no final order has been passed on the notices at this time, and there is no bar on Vinesh’s participation in upcoming competitions. However, she fears that an adverse decision could be made against her just before the start of a competition. In such a situation, she would not have enough time to seek legal relief.
Notices Issued to WFI and Central Government
After hearing arguments from both parties, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Wrestling Federation of India, the Central Government, and other relevant parties.
The lawyers for the respective parties accepted the notices in court. Following this, the High Court directed all parties to file their replies before the next hearing.
Legal Dispute with WFI Over Return After Maternity Leave
This development comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India. The dispute concerns disciplinary proceedings as well as the rules governing her return to competitive wrestling after pregnancy and childbirth.
Vinesh has challenged both show-cause notices issued by the WFI, alleging that these actions are part of a continuing process of arbitrary decisions aimed at hindering her return to the sport after maternity leave.
In a separate case, the High Court had refused to allow her to immediately participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. The court had then stated that the eligibility rules, which apply equally to all athletes, cannot be relaxed for Vinesh on an interim basis.
Vinesh has also challenged the WFI’s eligibility criteria. She argues that the current rules do not adequately provide for the return to competitive sports of athletes undergoing pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.