Phogat versus WFI: Apex court refuses to expunge Delhi HC’s remarks against WFI
WFI plea against HC order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat for selection trials infructuous, says a Bench led by Justice PS Narasimha
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to expunge the Delhi High Court’s remarks against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in its order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, saying disposal of the wrestling body’s petition did not mean it endorsed them.
A Bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Aravind Kumar, however, said the WFI petition challenging the high court order had become infructuous after Phogat participated in the trials on May 30 and 31 following its May 29 order.
"In view of subsequent developments, this SLP (Special Leave Petition) is rendered infructuous. This will not to be taken as having reiterated the findings and observations of the high court. The issues are kept open," the Bench said.
As senior advocate DN Goburdhun submitted on behalf of the WFI that "she (Phogat) did not succeed but she created havoc over there”, the Bench said the issue has become infructuous.
Goburdhun urged the Bench to expunge adverse remarks made by the high court against the WFI. "All these observations will have to go as the matter is pending before the single Bench," he submitted.
However, the Bench left it open, saying the disposal of WFI petition challenging the Delhi High Court's May 22 order allowing Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials did not mean it endorsed the remarks.
The high court had pulled up the WFI for issuing a show-cause notice to Phogat and termed the WFI action as "vindictive" and "deplorable".
On May 29, the Supreme Court had allowed grappler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026 to be held on May 30 and May 31.
"We are not stopping, you go and participate," a Bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe said, refusing to stay the Delhi High Court’s order that had granted her relief.
The top court, however, had expressed reservations about the Delhi High Court’s approach in allowing Phogat to participate in trials. It said, “We have some questions”, even as it acknowledged her talent and the achievements at the global level.
