“Wrestlers Free To Challenge Centre Revoking WFI Suspension”: Delhi High Court

Wrestling Federation of India

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ruled that wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, could challenge the Centre’s decision to revoke the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India.

Court’s Observations

A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also urged the single judge hearing the wrestlers’ plea against the 2023 WFI election to expedite proceedings.

On March 10, the Centre revoked its December 24, 2023, order suspending the WFI for governance and procedural lapses by the newly elected body. This move restored WFI’s status as the national sports federation.

The bench closed the proceedings on WFI’s appeal against the single judge’s order reinstating the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee to manage its affairs. The court noted that the committee’s role was only necessary while the Centre’s suspension was in effect. With the March 10 order in place, it observed that there was no further issue left to be adjudicated in the WFI appeal.

“Needless to state, it will be open to any party, if aggrieved by the order dated March 10 passed by the sports ministry, to challenge the same before an appropriate court,” the bench stated.

Wrestlers’ Concerns Over Suspension Revocation

During the hearing, the wrestlers’ counsel expressed shock over the treatment of players and contested WFI’s claim that its non-recognition had led to India missing 6 international tournaments.

“Everything they have done in the order is what I was preempting on the last occasion,” the counsel argued, further pointing out that the spot inspection report that formed the basis of the revocation was not made available to them.

The bench reiterated its focus on ensuring Indian wrestlers’ participation in the upcoming Asian Championship in Jordan, adding that the Centre’s decision was not under challenge before it. However, it noted that the wrestlers could initiate legal proceedings to obtain supporting documents related to the suspension revocation.

Government’s Justification For WFI’s Reinstatement

The Centre’s counsel defended the decision, stating that the revocation was made in the larger interest of the sport and athletes after WFI implemented necessary compliance measures.

The government also issued directions to WFI to maintain fairness and transparency, including balancing power among elected office bearers and distancing itself from suspended or terminated officials.

Following these developments, the IOA withdrew its appeal.

Wrestlers’ Legal Battle Against WFI

Celebrated wrestlers Punia, Phogat, and Malik, along with Satyawart Kadian, have been demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers. In 2024, they moved the High Court to declare the WFI elections illegal and set them aside.

On August 16, 2024, a single judge issued an interim order restoring the IOA’s ad-hoc committee’s mandate, stating that until the sports ministry’s suspension order was lifted, the committee’s oversight was necessary to manage WFI’s affairs.