The Delhi High Court has asked the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide two show-cause notices issued to grappler Vinesh Phogat over allegations of violation of anti-doping rules and misconduct in two weeks.
Justice Amit Mahajan, in an order passed on October 29 on Phogat’s petition, said a sportsperson has to be mentally relaxed to participate in any competitive event and clarified that the decision on the notices issued on May 9 and June 17 would be kept in abeyance till the next date of hearing on January 20. Phogat’s senior counsel said no final order was yet to be passed on the two show-cause notices.
He argued that though there was no impediment to the petitioner participating in any upcoming tournaments at this stage, there was an apprehension that any adverse decision before the commencement of future tournaments would leave her without any appropriate remedy.
Terming the predicament “genuine”, Justice Mahajan said, “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.”
“In view of the same, the respondents are directed to take a decision on the impugned SCNs (show-cause notices), within a period of two weeks. If the decision is taken, after two weeks, the same shall be kept in abeyance till the next date of hearing. List on 20.01.2027,” the court ordered.