Delhi High Court Restores Wrestling Federation of India Ad Hoc Committee but Denies Appointment of Retired Judge
On Friday, the Delhi High Court ordered the reinstatement of the ad hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This decision came after the Court found the earlier dissolution of the committee to be unwarranted.
Justice Sachin Datta’s ruling emphasized that the ad hoc committee, initially constituted on December 27, 2023, should be restored. However, the Court noted that the IOA could reconstitute the committee to include a diverse group of eminent sportspersons and experts familiar with international federations, addressing any concerns raised by the United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding WFI’s governance.
The Court also indicated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) could withdraw its December 12, 2023, order that led to the formation of the ad hoc committee if deemed necessary. The ad hoc committee will remain in effect only until the MYAS order is withdrawn or reviewed, without imposing any specific constraints.
This ruling came in response to a plea filed by prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Satyawart Kadian. The wrestlers had requested the appointment of a one-man committee, led by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge, to manage the WFI.
Justice Datta, however, declined the request for a retired judge at this time. The wrestlers, who were central to the protests against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, sought judicial intervention to ensure effective management and communication with the UWW and to prevent any further suspension issues.
The WFI had been suspended on December 24, 2023, due to procedural irregularities following its elections. Although the UWW lifted the suspension in February 2024, the IOA’s subsequent dissolution of the ad hoc committee prompted the wrestlers to seek judicial oversight.
(With inputs from agency)
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
