Delhi High Court Reinstates Ad-Hoc Committee for WFI Amidst Legal Disputes

The Delhi High Court restored the mandate of the Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc committee for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), dismissing its dissolution. This follows ongoing legal challenges by prominent wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, regarding WFI's activities and leadership elections.

The Delhi High Court on Friday ruled that the dissolution of the ad-hoc committee was unwarranted and reinstated the committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on December 27, 2023. Justice Sachin Dutta's bench affirmed that the IOA could restructure the committee, emphasizing the inclusion of sports experts to allay concerns from the United World Wrestling (UWW).

"It shall be open to the MYAS to withdraw or review its order from December 24, 2023, if circumstances warrant," the bench clarified. The court stated that the ad-hoc committee would continue its mandate under the Ministry of Youth and Sports' (MYAS) directive. This statement does not impose any constraints on the ministry.

The court rejected the petitioner's request to appoint a retired judge as the administrator, deeming an ad-hoc committee suitable to manage the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) matters. Wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat challenged the WFI's election results and its selection trials for upcoming championships.

The wrestlers' legal representation argued against the WFI being led by proxies and objected to President Sanjay Singh's involvement in Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at a recent event. The central government backed Vinesh Phogat amidst the legal tussles. The United World Wrestling reinstated the WFI's operations in February 2024, following its suspension due to procedural breaches last December. The court will continue its hearing on September 12, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)