Delhi HC directs WFI to decide on Vinesh Phogat notices
The court has given the Wrestling Federation of India two weeks to resolve show-cause notices issued to the grappler.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to reach a decision on two show-cause notices issued to grappler Vinesh Phogat within two weeks, according to reports by The Hindu and The Pioneer.
The notices, issued on May 9 and June 17, involve allegations of misconduct and the violation of anti-doping rules. Phogat filed a petition seeking to quash these notices and the disciplinary proceedings against her.
Justice Amit Mahajan stated in an order passed on October 29 that athletes need to be mentally at ease to compete effectively without compromising their performance. The court noted that such a state of mind is necessary for competitive events.
Phogat's senior counsel argued that while there is currently no bar on her participating in tournaments, there is a fear that an adverse ruling before future events would leave her without a remedy. The counsel described the notices as a hanging sword over her career.
The court ordered that if a decision is reached after the two-week period, it must be kept in abeyance until the next hearing on January 20, 2027.
In her plea, Phogat alleged that the WFI's actions were arbitrary and intended to obstruct her return to competitive wrestling following her maternity.