The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take a decision on the show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat within two weeks. The notices relate to alleged indiscipline, violations of anti-doping regulations and misconduct during the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.
Justice Amit Mahajan, while hearing Phogat's plea seeking to quash the notices and subsequent proceedings, stressed that athletes must be mentally relaxed and in the right frame of mind to compete. He observed that mental stress should not affect a sportsperson's performance.
The court further said that if the WFI takes a decision after the two-week period, it must be kept in abeyance until the next hearing, scheduled for January 20. Justice Mahajan also observed that the predicament raised by Phogat appeared to be genuine.
Why did WFI issue notices to Vinesh Phogat?
The WFI issued its first show-cause notice on May 9, accusing Phogat of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. The federation alleged that she had failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required under United World Wrestling's anti-doping rules for athletes returning from retirement.
A second notice followed on June 17 over alleged incidents during the Asian Games selection trials, following which the federation initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Phogat fears action ahead of national tournament
Appearing for Phogat, her lawyer Rajshekhar Rao argued that although the WFI had not passed a final order, the pending proceedings could affect her participation in upcoming competitions.
He told the court that Phogat apprehended an adverse decision before future tournaments, leaving her with little time to seek legal recourse. Rao also pointed out that the national tournament she intends to participate in is scheduled for December and that she needs time to prepare.
He described the pending notices as a "hanging sword" over his client's career.
Phogat was among wrestlers who protested against Brij Bhushan
Phogat was among the six women wrestlers who accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, she was one of the prominent faces of the 36-day protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in April and May 2023.
A Delhi trial court acquitted Singh of all sexual harassment and criminal intimidation charges in August.