Delhi HC Orders WFI to Resolve Vinesh Phogat's Disciplinary Notices
Delhi High Court tells WFI to decide on Vinesh Phogat's disciplinary notices in two weeks to avoid affecting her mental state and training.
The Delhi High Court has stepped in to end the prolonged disciplinary uncertainty surrounding Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Justice Amit Mahajan has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to reach a final decision regarding two pending show-cause notices issued to the athlete within a strict two-week timeframe.
Mental State and Competition Readiness
The court's intervention comes after Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing Phogat, argued that the lingering disciplinary cloud is severely hindering the wrestler's preparations for an upcoming national tournament slated for mid-December 2026.
Justice Mahajan highlighted the psychological toll such delays take on athletes, emphasizing that keeping a sportsperson in a state of uncertainty regarding disciplinary actions can negatively impact their mental well-being and overall competitive readiness.
The Core of the Dispute: Two Show-Cause Notices
The conflict stems from two separate notices issued by the WFI earlier in the year:
- The May 9, 2026 Notice: This notice alleged indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. Specifically, the WFI raised concerns over the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement, as stipulated by United World Wrestling rules.
- The June 17, 2026 Notice: This second notice pertained to alleged incidents that occurred during the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.
A History of Legal Friction
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has intervened in the friction between Phogat and the federation. In May 2026, the court questioned the WFI's decision to label Phogat as ineligible for domestic events. During those proceedings, the court expressed strong disapproval over a show-cause notice that had described Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics as a "national shame."
At that time, the court had also directed the Union government to establish an expert panel to evaluate the merits of her case.
What Happens Next?
While the WFI has been given two weeks to finalize its decision, the court has added a significant caveat. Any decision reached by the federation after this two-week deadline will remain in abeyance—meaning it will not be enforced—until the next scheduled court hearing on January 20, 2027.