Delhi High Court orders WFI to decide on Vinesh Phogat notices

The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to reach a decision on two show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat within two weeks. The notices, issued on May 9 and June 17, involve allegations of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping rules.

Justice Amit Mahajan observed that a sportsperson must be in a “fit and relaxed state of mind” to compete effectively, noting that prolonged uncertainty regarding disciplinary proceedings could negatively impact Phogat’s mental preparation. Phogat’s legal counsel argued that the pending notices acted as a “hanging sword,” creating apprehension that an adverse decision could be made just before upcoming competitions, such as a national tournament scheduled for mid-December, leaving her with insufficient time for legal remedy.

The court ruled that any decision made by the WFI after the two-week deadline will be kept in abeyance until the next hearing, which is scheduled for January 20, 2027. Phogat has petitioned to quash the notices, alleging they are part of an arbitrary pattern intended to obstruct her return to competitive wrestling following maternity.