Delhi High Court directs WFI to decide two show-cause notices against Vinesh Phogat within two weeks
The Delhi High Court on October 29 directed the Wrestling Federation of India to decide two show-cause notices issued to grappler Vinesh Phogat within two weeks in an order on her petition. The notices challenged in the petition were dated May 9 and June 17 and the court listed the matter for hearing on January 20, 2027.
Phogat filed a petition seeking quashing of the two SCNs and the disciplinary proceedings initiated by the WFI, which allege indiscipline and violations of anti-doping rules. The court issued notice to the WFI and the Centre in response to the petition. The plea contended the notices form part of a continuing pattern of arbitrary and mala fide action by the WFI that obstructed her return to competitive wrestling after maternity. It added that the International Testing Agency had cleared her to compete from January 1, 2026 but the WFI adopted an eligibility framework that effectively excluded her and immediately issued the first SCN alleging anti-doping/ whereabouts violations.
Phogat's senior counsel told the court that no final order had yet been passed on the two show-cause notices and said there was presently no impediment to her participation in any upcoming tournaments. He argued there was an apprehension that any adverse decision before the commencement of future tournaments would leave her without an appropriate remedy. The court described that predicament as "genuine".
Justice Amit Mahajan addressed the psychological effect on the athlete, saying, "A sportsperson has to be in a fit and relaxed state of mind to participate in any competitive event of such nature as indicated so that their performance is not compromised in any way." The order directed: "In view of the same, the respondents are directed to take a decision on the impugned SCNs, within a period of two weeks. If the decision is taken, after two weeks, the same shall be kept in abeyance till the next date of hearing. List on 20.01.2027," and recorded the October 29 hearing date.
Phogat's senior lawyer informed the court she wished to take part in a national tournament scheduled to be held sometime in the middle of December and said the SCNs were "kept as a hanging sword" on her. The petition asserted the SCNs and the consequential proceedings amount to a continuing impediment to her return to elite competition and have the potential to prejudice her eligibility, nomination and participation in forthcoming competitions.
The court's order requires the WFI to decide on the two notices within two weeks, and states any decision taken after that period shall be kept in abeyance until the next hearing. The matter is listed for further consideration on January 20, 2027.