On wrestlers’ plea, Delhi HC seeks Centre’s clear stand on management of ‘headless’ WFI

The Delhi High Court directed the Centre to clarify its stance on overseeing the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) operations following the dissolution of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee, as revealed during Tuesday’s proceedings.

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian petitioned the court, represented by senior advocate Rahul Mehra, emphasizing the necessity of appointing an administrator due to the federation’s current “headless” state.

The ad-hoc committee, formed last December after the WFI’s suspension by the sports ministry, was dissolved last month. The petitioners previously protested at Jantar Mantar against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment.

However, the court noted the sports ministry’s affidavit as “vague” and urged for a clearer stance, especially concerning the WFI’s suspension continuation, ad-hoc committee dissolution, and leadership arrangements.

The court granted the ministry one week to submit a comprehensive affidavit. The next hearing, scheduled for April 10, will involve the involvement of the IOA’s joint secretary and director.

(With PTI inputs)