The Delhi High Court has given the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) a two-week deadline to take a decision on the show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, bringing some clarity to a dispute that has been hanging over her return to competitive wrestling.
Justice Amit Mahajan passed the direction while hearing Phogat’s petition challenging the notices dated May 9 and June 17, which were issued in connection with proposed disciplinary action against her.
During the hearing, the Court highlighted the importance of an athlete’s mental well-being, observing that competitors must be in a physically fit and mentally relaxed condition to perform at their best. Uncertainty surrounding disciplinary proceedings, it indicated, should not unnecessarily affect an athlete’s preparation and participation in sporting events.
Phogat told the Court that the notices were part of what she described as a continuing pattern of arbitrary and mala fide action by the WFI. According to her, the federation’s actions had created obstacles to her efforts to return to elite wrestling following maternity.
She also pointed out that the International Testing Agency had already cleared her to compete from January 1, 2026. Despite this clearance, she argued, the pending proceedings continued to create uncertainty over her eligibility, selection and participation in upcoming competitions.
The wrestler is particularly keen to compete in a national tournament scheduled for December. She expressed concern that the federation could take an adverse decision before the event, potentially jeopardising her opportunity to return to the competitive circuit.
The High Court found her concerns genuine and directed the WFI to decide on the pending notices within two weeks.
The Court further clarified that if the federation passes a decision after the two-week period, its implementation must remain on hold until the next hearing.
The matter will now come up before the Court on January 20, 2027.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao appeared for Phogat, assisted by advocates Aashita Khanna, Ritwik Prakash, Vishakha Gupta and Neil M Goswami. Advocates Hemant Phalpher and Karishmit Keswarni represented the Wrestling Federation of India.