Delhi High Court Orders Wrestling Federation to Resolve Vinesh Phogat's Case Promptly

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma mandated that the WFI inform both Phogat and the court of its decision concerning the notice dated May 9 within the specified period. The court acknowledged the WFI's commitment to provide Phogat with a personal hearing before any final determination is made.

The petition was concluded after the WFI indicated that Phogat's concerns about participating in the Asian Games selection trials were no longer relevant, as she had already been permitted to compete following previous judicial orders.

Phogat's legal representative highlighted that the case raised significant issues regarding the legality of the WFI's selection policy. However, the court noted that since the matter concerning the trials had become moot, these broader questions would need to be addressed in a new writ petition. It clarified that the current proceedings could be wrapped up, allowing Phogat to pursue separate legal action regarding the policy.

The court was also made aware that Phogat had received an additional show-cause notice related to her behavior during the selection trials.

On May 9, the WFI issued a show-cause notice to Phogat, declaring her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26. The federation cited the mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement as per anti-doping regulations.

In her application, Phogat contested the WFI's selection policy and the circular that limited eligibility for the Asian Games selection trials to medalists from specific tournaments.

She argued that the qualification timeline set by the federation significantly overlapped with her sabbatical due to pregnancy and postpartum recovery. According to her, the eligibility criteria effectively excluded her from consideration through a rigid mechanism that was arbitrary and discriminatory.