WFI Must Decide Show-Cause Notices To Vinesh Phogat Within Fortnight: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has given the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) two weeks to decide on the show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, taking note of her concerns that the pending disciplinary proceedings could affect her preparations for upcoming competitions. Justice Amit Mahajan observed that keeping a sportsperson under uncertainty regarding disciplinary action could impact their mental state and readiness for competition. The court emphasised that athletes need to be mentally relaxed and physically prepared to perform at their best.

The observations came while hearing a petition filed by Phogat challenging two show-cause notices issued by the WFI on May 9 and June 17.

Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Phogat, told the court that the wrestler intends to compete in a national tournament scheduled for mid-December 2026. He argued that she needs to begin preparations and cannot be expected to do so while facing uncertainty over a possible adverse decision by the federation.

Rao also expressed concerns that the WFI could pass an adverse order shortly before the tournament, leaving Phogat with little time to seek legal relief.

After considering the submissions, the court said the concerns raised by the wrestler appeared genuine and deserved consideration.

The High Court directed the WFI to take a decision on both show-cause notices within two weeks.

It further clarified that if the federation fails to decide the matter within the stipulated period, any subsequent decision would remain in abeyance until the next hearing.

The court issued notice to the authorities and directed them to place their replies, if any, on record before the next date of hearing.

The matter has been listed for hearing on January 20, 2027.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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