The Court also noted the change in WFI’s policy for selection to the Asian Games trials and said that it must not act in vengeance.
It is Phogat’s case that the selection window has been narrowed to overlap with her maternity-related absence, childbirth and post-partum recovery.
He said that she became eligible to participate in events in January 2026 and that her registration was also accepted.
“I reach the venue, and I am told that I am barred on the eve of the event…Look at the show cause notice.
It also questioned the Central government over its inaction against WFI for issuing show cause notice to Phogat.
The Court also noted the change in WFI’s policy for selection to the Asian Games trials and said that it must not act in vengeance.
While the new policy, issued in February 2026, limits participation in these trials to medal winners of certain competitions held in 2025 and 2026, the earlier policy allowed authorities discretion in exceptional cases for internationally accomplished wrestlers. It is Phogat’s case that the selection window has been narrowed to overlap with her maternity-related absence, childbirth and post-partum recovery.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao appeared for Phogat. He said that she became eligible to participate in events in January 2026 and that her registration was also accepted.
“I reach the venue, and I am told that I am barred on the eve of the event…Look at the show cause notice. Someone must be clutching at straws,” he said.
The Bench today questioned the departure from past practices, stating that the Federation must not act in vengeance.
“She became a mother in July, and we are in May. We are a country that celebrates motherhood, not denounce it. She is a wrestler of international repute. Why shouldn’t we presume that you changed it only because of her?” the Court asked.
It also questioned the Central government over its inaction against WFI for issuing show cause notice to Phogat.
“These [WFI officials] are the administrators of sports? What action have you [Central government] taken against them? Was the authority of the Department of Sports not aware that such kinds of notices were issued. If she is bringing laurels to the country, will you not give her a chance also? Has she committed any violations? Were you taken into confidence before this policy? This is absolutely a retrograde step and you are sitting silent,” the Court asked.
