The
Justice Amit Mahajan, presiding over the case, highlighted the importance of stability for professional athletes. The court noted that maintaining a sportsperson in a state of ambiguity regarding potential disciplinary action is detrimental to their ability to prepare effectively. Emphasizing that athletes require both mental clarity and physical focus to perform at an elite level, the court acknowledged that the concerns presented by Phogat were legitimate and warranted immediate attention.
Legal Challenge and Competition Timeline
The judicial proceedings stem from a petition filed by Phogat, who is formally challenging two separate show-cause notices issued by the WFI on May 9 and June 17. Representing the wrestler, Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao informed the court that his client is currently preparing for a national tournament slated for mid-December 2026. Rao argued that the athlete cannot be expected to maintain peak performance levels while facing the looming threat of an adverse decision from the federation.
A primary concern raised during the hearing was the possibility of the WFI issuing a negative ruling shortly before the December tournament. Such a scenario, counsel argued, would leave the wrestler with insufficient time to pursue legal remedies or challenge the federation's decision. By setting a strict two-week deadline, the court aims to resolve the administrative impasse before the competition period begins.
Court Mandates and Future Proceedings
In its ruling, the High Court stipulated that if the WFI fails to conclude its deliberations on the two notices within the allotted two weeks, any subsequent decision made by the federation will be held in abeyance. This measure is designed to prevent the WFI from taking unilateral action that could impact the athlete’s participation in the upcoming national event.
The court has also issued a formal notice to the relevant authorities, requiring them to submit their responses to the petition before the next scheduled hearing. The matter is currently listed for further consideration on January 20, 2027, by which time the federation is expected to have finalized its position on the disciplinary notices.
