delhi-high-court-grapples-with-wrestling-federation-s-controversial-elections

The Delhi High Court has recently taken up a petition filed by prominent Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.

In their petition, they challenge the legality of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections held in December 2023 and seek to have them declared void. Justice Sachin Datta issued notices to the Central government, WFI, and the Ad-Hoc Committee of WFI, seeking their responses to the petition.

The court has scheduled further hearings on March 7, allowing time for the central government's standing counsel to provide instructions on the matter. Represented by senior advocate Rahul Mehra, the wrestlers allege blatant violations of the Sports Code in the conduct of the WFI elections.

They seek a direction for the federation to refrain from engaging in any wrestling-related activities until the matter is resolved. Sanjay Kumar Singh, a close associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, assumed the presidency of the WFI following the contested elections.

The petitioners accuse the WFI of various wrongdoings, including conducting selection trials for major tournaments against the directives of the ad-hoc Committee and attempting to silence dissenting voices.

They assert that the WFI's actions have not only affected their own careers but have also impacted other athletes who have taken a stand against the federation's alleged illegalities.

In their plea, the wrestlers request the court to either allow the ad-hoc committee to continue managing the WFI or appoint a retired Supreme Court judge as an administrator to oversee its affairs.

The petition highlights the WFI's repeated disregard for directives from the Sports Ministry and the ad-hoc committee, which has had adverse effects on the careers of Indian wrestlers.

The court's decision on this matter will have significant implications for the future of wrestling in India and the integrity of sports governance in the country. As the case progresses, the wrestling community awaits the outcome, hoping for a resolution that upholds fairness and transparency in sports administration.