Delhi High Court issues Notice on Plea filed by Wrestlers

The Delhi High Court issued a notice on Wednesday in response to a plea seeking directions for the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) ad hoc committee to conduct fresh selection trials for upcoming wrestling events. The court has sought responses from the Sports Ministry, the WFI, and the WFI ad hoc committee, with the next hearing scheduled for December 12.

The issue stems from protests by wrestlers, including prominent figures like Bajrang Punia, who claimed that the WFI, despite an order issued by the High Court on August 16, has continued conducting national selection trials for various events. The wrestlers argued that these trials were conducted in violation of the High Court's directions, which explicitly stated that the WFI should not manage such affairs, and instead, the ad hoc committee should oversee the selection process.

The ad hoc committee was initially formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in December 2023 after the Union Sports Ministry restrained the Sanjay Singh-led WFI from managing the day-to-day activities of the federation. The ministry’s decision was based on concerns regarding WFI’s internal governance and its impact on Indian wrestlers' selection process. The IOA, in compliance with the Ministry's order, was tasked with appointing the ad hoc committee to manage the federation’s affairs, including athlete selection and participation in international events.

However, the matter took a new turn in March 2024, when the IOA disbanded the ad hoc committee, citing the lifting of the ban on WFI by United World Wrestling (UWW) and the successful completion of selection trials by the committee. Despite this, the Delhi High Court intervened in August 2024, restoring the mandate of the ad hoc committee to manage WFI’s activities, including overseeing the selection process. The court had instructed the IOA to reinstate the committee's powers.

Wrestlers' allegations and Court's role

The wrestlers involved in the petition have argued that the WFI, despite the High Court’s intervention, has continued to run national selection trials, undermining the legal standing of the ad hoc committee. They claim that the selection trials conducted by WFI in defiance of the court’s August 16 order violate the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability, which are critical for the proper governance of sports bodies.

In the petition, the wrestlers, represented by senior advocate Rahul Mehra and advocate Chaitanya Gosain, argued that the WFI’s actions were not only illegal but also detrimental to the rights of Indian wrestlers. They emphasized that the selection process must be fair, free, and transparent, aligning with national interests and ensuring that wrestlers are given a fair chance to compete.

The petition also pointed out that the IOA had failed to comply with the High Court’s order to reinstate the ad hoc committee, an act the wrestlers argued violated the principles of good governance in national sports bodies, as outlined in the Sports Code. The application called for the appointment of a one-man committee to take over the WFI's management, ensuring impartiality and transparency in the selection process.

In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, the IOA submitted an affidavit stating its decision not to reconstitute the ad hoc committee. The IOA expressed concerns that such a move would interfere with the autonomy of the WFI, which it argued was a vital aspect of the federation's operations. The IOA further explained that its decisions regarding the ad hoc committee would not be accepted by UWW, which could jeopardize India's participation in international wrestling events.

The IOA’s affidavit, signed by president PT Usha, stated that it did not believe reconstituting the ad hoc committee would serve any practical purpose, as the committee's decisions would likely face resistance from UWW. The IOA thus argued that it was better to allow WFI to continue its operations under the current management, citing the lifting of the ban by UWW as a sign that WFI had made significant progress in resolving its internal issues.

However, the petitioners, the wrestlers, strongly disagreed with this stance. They contended that the WFI’s continued control over the selection process was detrimental to the fairness and transparency required by the Court’s directives. The wrestlers’ application emphasized the importance of restoring the ad hoc committee’s mandate as a necessary step to ensure that the selection trials for international events, including the upcoming 2024 World Championships, are conducted impartially.

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Court’s intervention and next steps

The Delhi High Court’s intervention has put the spotlight back on the governance of WFI and its handling of the selection process. By issuing a notice to the Sports Ministry, WFI, and the ad hoc committee, the Court is ensuring that the ongoing dispute is addressed in a manner that upholds the legal principles of fairness and transparency. The next hearing, set for December 12, will be crucial in determining the future course of action, especially in relation to the selection trials for the upcoming wrestling competitions.

The wrestlers involved in the petition have made it clear that their primary concern is ensuring that the selection process for Indian wrestlers is free from external influence and conducted with the highest standards of transparency. The petitioners are hopeful that the Court’s intervention will result in a fair and just process for all athletes, aligning with the principles of the Sports Code and ensuring that Indian wrestlers are given the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage.

The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges faced by national sports federations in ensuring proper governance and transparency. It also underscores the importance of legal oversight in maintaining the integrity of selection processes, particularly when it comes to elite athletes vying for a place on the national team.

If the Delhi High Court’s order favors the wrestlers’ petition, it could set a significant precedent for the governance of other national sports federations. The case may also serve as a reminder to sports authorities that they must comply with judicial orders and ensure that all processes, particularly athlete selection, are carried out with fairness and integrity.

The Court’s decision could also have implications for the broader sports ecosystem in India, as it could influence the way in which other federations manage their affairs. If the Court rules in favor of the wrestlers, it could lead to greater accountability in the management of national sports bodies, ensuring that they are run in accordance with the principles of good governance and transparency.

The Delhi High Court’s notice to the Sports Ministry, WFI, and the ad hoc committee marks an important development in the ongoing dispute over the selection trials for Indian wrestlers. With the next hearing scheduled for December 12, the case continues to unfold, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for the governance of Indian sports. For the wrestlers involved, this legal battle represents a fight for fairness and transparency, and they are hopeful that the Court’s intervention will help restore the integrity of the selection process and protect the rights of athletes in the future.