Delhi HC directs WFI to reply within two weeks to Vinesh Phogat's plea against show-cause notice

The Delhi High Court has issued an important order to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on a petition by wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The court has asked the federation to file its reply within two weeks to the show-cause notice issued to her.

Phogat has challenged in the High Court the notice sent by the federation. The court passed the order during the hearing on this petition.

She is said to have approached the court against the federation's arbitrary functioning and the notice of indiscipline issued to her. In the petition, she has written that the WFI's continued harassment and the uncertainty it has maintained are seriously affecting her sport and her peace of mind.

Presenting her case in court, Phogat is understood to have accused the WFI of arbitrary and malicious action. The petition is also said to state that the two show-cause notices the federation issued to her on May 9 and June 17 are also part of action taken out of vindictiveness.

During the hearing, the court is reported to have stressed an important point. The judges are said to have observed that it is extremely important for athletes who represent the country and take part in major sporting events to remain mentally calm and free of stress.

Phogat wants to take part in the national wrestling championship to be held in December. It remains to be seen whether she will get the opportunity in view of the federation's notice. Such uncertainty is very likely to directly affect her eligibility, nomination and actual participation in upcoming national and international competitions.

For now, the notice has not placed any direct restriction on her competing. Even so, Phogat has expressed serious fear that the federation could suddenly take an adverse decision against her ahead of important upcoming events.