Delhi High Court orders WFI to decide on Vinesh Phogat's show-cause notice within two weeks

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide within two weeks on the show-cause notice issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat over allegations of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma disposed of Phogat's petition after the WFI informed the court that her grievance regarding participation in the Asian Games selection trials had become infructuous. The court directed the federation to decide the May 9 show-cause notice within two weeks and inform both Phogat and the court of its decision.

The WFI also told the court that Phogat would be given a personal hearing before any decision is taken on the notice.

During the hearing, Phogat's counsel argued that the petition raised broader issues relating to the WFI's selection policy. However, the court said those issues would have to be challenged through a fresh petition.

"This can be disposed of and then you can file a fresh writ petition," the court said.

The court was informed that, pursuant to earlier judicial orders, Phogat had been allowed to participate in the Asian Games selection trials. Her counsel, however, said she has since received a fresh show-cause notice over her conduct during the trials.

The WFI had issued the original show-cause notice on May 9 and declared Phogat ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026. The federation cited the mandatory six-month notice period applicable to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping rules.

In her petition, Phogat challenged the WFI's selection policy and circular restricting eligibility for the Asian Games trials to medal winners of specified tournaments.

She argued that the qualification window substantially overlapped with her sabbatical due to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, creating what she described as a "closed and inflexible gatekeeping mechanism" that was arbitrary and discriminatory.