Wrestlers Can Contest WFI's Suspension Lifting: Delhi HC
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has ruled that wrestlers who are unhappy with the Wrestling Federation of India's suspension lifting can challenge the government's action in court. This decision follows a petition from notable wrestlers regarding the recent WFI elections and their ability to participate in international competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Wrestlers can contest WFI suspension lifting.
- Delhi High Court encourages swift decision on petitions.
- Documents related to suspension revocation are accessible.
- WFI reinstatement allows for national competitions.
- WFI must ensure transparent selection processes.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court announced on Tuesday that wrestlers dissatisfied with the lifting of the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) are entitled to challenge the government's decision in the appropriate court.
A division bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela advised the single-judge bench to swiftly address the wrestlers' petition, which includes prominent athletes such as Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, regarding the 2023 WFI elections.
The CJ Upadhyaya-led bench noted that wrestlers could request pertinent documents concerning the revocation of WFI's suspension through proper legal channels, following the wrestlers' counsel's claim that the report which justified the suspension's lifting was not shared with them.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, stated that the WFI's suspension was lifted in compliance with an order from the Delhi High Court to ensure a better future for the wrestlers.
"In line with the High Court's directive, the Ministry decided to remove the sanctions so that our wrestlers can compete in the Asian and World Championships. This also serves justice for the future of our athletes," Mandaviya informed reporters on Tuesday.
The Ministry reinstated the WFI's operational control on Tuesday, returning authority to President Sanjay Singh, a close associate of former federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
This decision enables the WFI to conduct domestic competitions and select national teams for international events.
The Sports Ministry suspended the Sanjay Singh-led federation three days post-elections due to its announcement to organize U-15 and U-20 national championships and directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form a temporary committee to oversee the WFI's operations.
On December 21, 2023, when Sanjay Singh took office as WFI President, he announced national trials for wrestling in the U-15 and U-20 categories would be held in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
The suspension led to the establishment of an ad-hoc committee by the IOA to manage the WFI's daily functions.
The Ministry's letter also outlined the operational directives for the federations.
"The WFI must reverse the amendments made during the suspension period and ensure a balance of power among designated office-bearers while providing checks and balances in the decision-making process, which should be accomplished within four weeks," the letter stated.
"Any individual not elected as an office-bearer, including suspended or terminated salaried officials of the WFI, must be completely disassociated from the Federation and its affiliated units. The WFI's Executive Committee must provide a written commitment regarding this within four weeks. Any breaches of this commitment will lead to appropriate legal consequences, including actions under the Sports Code," it added.
"The WFI must guarantee that selections for all international events are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and transparent, adhering to the existing provisions of the Sports Code and the latest instructions issued in this respect, along with regulations from United World Wrestling," the letter concluded.
