The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide within two weeks the show-cause notice issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat over allegations of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma closed the proceedings on Phogat's petition challenging the notice, the WFI's selection policy, and a related circular, after the federation's counsel assured that her grievance regarding participation in the Asian Games selection trials was now resolved.
Court Orders Timely Decision with Personal Hearing
Justice Sharma ordered: "Within two weeks, decide the show-cause notice dated May 9 under intimation to the petitioner and the court." The WFI counsel stated that Phogat would be given a personal hearing before any decision is made on the notice. The court disposed of the petition but noted that Phogat could file a fresh petition if she wished to challenge broader issues related to the selection policy.
Phogat's senior counsel argued that the petition raised "larger issues" concerning the selection policy, but the court maintained that those matters would require a separate petition. "This can be disposed of and then you can file a fresh writ petition," the judge said.
Background: Show-Cause Notice and Asian Games Trials
The court was informed that pursuant to earlier judicial orders, Phogat was permitted to participate in the Asian Games trials. However, the petitioner's counsel revealed that she had received a fresh show-cause notice for her conduct during those trials. On May 9, 2026, the WFI issued a show-cause notice to Phogat and declared her ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026, citing a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping rules.
In her petition, Phogat challenged the WFI's selection policy and circular that limited eligibility for the Asian Games trials to medal winners of specific tournaments. She argued that the "qualification window" chosen by the federation substantially overlapped with her notified sabbatical due to pregnancy and postpartum recovery. This created what she described as a "closed and inflexible gatekeeping mechanism" that was manifestly arbitrary and discriminatory.
Legal and Implications for Indian Wrestling
The case highlights ongoing tensions between athletes and the WFI over selection policies and disciplinary procedures. Phogat, a prominent wrestler, has been at the center of several controversies involving the federation. The court's decision ensures that the show-cause notice will be resolved promptly, with a personal hearing guaranteed. This could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Indian sports governance.
The WFI's adherence to anti-doping rules and its selection criteria remain contentious issues. Athletes have often criticized the federation for opaque processes and arbitrary decisions. The Delhi High Court's intervention underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring fairness and transparency in sports administration.
