New Delhi, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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, observing that uncertainty surrounding the disciplinary proceedings could affect the three-time Olympian’s preparations and performance in upcoming competitions.
A single-judge Bench of Justice Amit Mahajan, while hearing Phogat’s plea challenging the show-cause notices issued on May 9 and June 17, observed that a sportsperson needed to be physically fit and mentally relaxed to compete effectively. The court directed the WFI to conclude the proceedings within the stipulated period.
“The predicament expressed by the petitioner appears to be genuine. 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,” Justice Mahajan said.
The High Court further directed that if the WFI takes a decision on the show-cause notices after the two-week deadline, that decision will remain in abeyance until the next date of hearing.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Phogat, submitted that the wrestler intended to participate in a national tournament scheduled for around the middle of December and required adequate time to prepare.
He argued that the two pending show-cause notices hung over the wrestler like a “hanging sword”, creating uncertainty about possible disciplinary action that could affect her participation in future competitions.
Rao submitted that although no final order had been passed on the notices and there was currently no restriction on Phogat participating in upcoming tournaments, she feared that an adverse decision could be taken just before a competition began. Such a development, he argued, would leave her with little time to seek appropriate legal relief.
Taking note of these submissions, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the WFI, the Union government and the other respondents.
Their respective counsel accepted the notices, and the court directed the respondents to file their replies, if any, before the next date of hearing.
The latest development comes amid Phogat’s ongoing legal battle with the WFI over disciplinary proceedings and the framework governing her return to competitive wrestling following pregnancy and childbirth.
Phogat has challenged the two show-cause notices, claiming that they form part of a continuing pattern of arbitrary action intended to obstruct her return to the sport after maternity leave.
In a separate proceeding, the High Court had declined to grant her immediate relief to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. The court observed that eligibility criteria applied uniformly to all athletes could not be relaxed in her favour at the interim stage.
Phogat has challenged the WFI’s eligibility criteria, arguing that the existing framework does not provide an appropriate mechanism for athletes returning to competitive sport after pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery.
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