The Delhi High Court has 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 violations of anti-doping regulations.
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 federation also assured the court that the former world championship medallist would be granted a personal hearing before any final decision is taken on the show-cause notice.
During the hearing, Phogat’s legal counsel argued that the petition raised broader concerns regarding the WFI’s selection policy and related circulars. However, the court observed that any challenge to those issues would require a fresh petition.
The court was informed that, following earlier judicial directions, Phogat had been allowed to compete in the Asian Games selection trials despite the ongoing dispute.
The WFI had issued the show-cause notice on May 9, alleging indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. The federation also declared Phogat ineligible to participate in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, citing the mandatory six-month notice period applicable to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.
Earlier, on May 18, a single-judge bench permitted Phogat to file a detailed response to the notice but declined to grant immediate relief regarding her participation in the Asian Games trials. Subsequently, on May 22, a division bench allowed her to compete in the trials held on May 30 and 31, a decision that was later upheld by the Supreme Court after it refused to interfere.
Phogat’s campaign at the selection trials ended in the semifinals of the women’s 53kg category, where she suffered a narrow 6-4 defeat to Meenakshi Goyat.
The WFI is now expected to complete its proceedings and deliver a final decision on the show-cause notice within the two-week deadline set by the Delhi High Court.
