The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the Indian Olympic Association and the Centre on Vinesh Phogat’s plea seeking a fair and transparent framework for women wrestlers returning to competitive sport after pregnancy and childbirth.
A bench headed by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice on Phogat’s petition, which seeks safeguards to ensure that maternity-related absence does not disadvantage women athletes in domestic competitions, selection trials or subsequent selection opportunities. The matter will next be heard on November 18.
Phogat has cited her own experience of returning to wrestling after childbirth, arguing that the existing selection system did not adequately account for the period during which she was unable to compete because of pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum recovery.
In her petition, Phogat has argued that selection criteria based substantially on performances during her absence created a structural disadvantage for athletes returning from maternity.
She has sought a structured mechanism that would provide reasonable accommodation for such athletes and allow them to re-enter the competitive pathway on fair terms.
Court also hears disciplinary challenge
The court also sought WFI’s response to Phogat’s separate challenge against disciplinary proceedings arising from two show-cause notices issued to her.
The notices, dated May 9 and June 17, relate to alleged indiscipline, anti-doping regulations and her conduct during the 2026 Asian Games selection trials.
Phogat’s lawyers told the court that WFI had failed to comply with an earlier direction to decide the May 9 notice within two weeks. They also questioned the constitution and disclosure of the federation’s disciplinary committee, saying its composition was uploaded on WFI’s website only on July 30 after objections were raised.
WFI counsel Hemant Phalpher said Phogat had been given two opportunities to appear before the disciplinary committee but did not do so. He said September 2 had been fixed as her final opportunity to present her case.
The court clarified that it was not directing Phogat to appear before the committee and had only asked WFI’s counsel to obtain instructions. That matter will next be heard on September 29.