Delhi HC Dismisses Wrestlers' Plea Against WFI Polls, Citing Lack of Interest

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The Delhi High Court has dismissed the petitions filed by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian challenging the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) December 2023 elections. The court, led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, stated that the petitioners were absent from three consecutive hearings, indicating a lack of interest in pursuing the matter. The wrestlers had initially challenged the elections, claiming they were not conducted fairly and transparently. However, the Centre revoked the WFI's suspension in March this year, citing the need for stability in the administration of wrestling and to prevent a 'governance void' that could impact India's medal prospects in the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The court also dismissed a contempt petition filed by Kadian against the Centre, WFI, and the WFI ad hoc committee, which had failed to implement a court order to restore the mandate of an ad-hoc committee appointed by the International Olympic Association (IOA) on December 27, 2023. The order, issued on August 16, 2023, had been ignored by the parties involved.