Delhi High Court Dismisses Wrestlers' Pleas Against WFI Election Results After...

Last Updated:December 02, 2025, 15:15 IST

Delhi HC dismissed Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Satyawart Kadian's petitions challenging WFI elections after repeated non-appearance, ending their legal challenge

Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat (PTI)

The Delhi High Court has dismissed petitions filed by top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian challenging the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) December 2023 elections. The petitions were dismissed after the wrestlers failed to appear in court on multiple dates. Sanjay Singh had become the president by defeating Anita Sheoran, who was supported by the three Olympians.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the matter on November 27, observed that none of the petitioners were present when the case was taken up. It was also noted that they had been absent for the previous two hearings.

The court stated in its order, “The petitioners do not seem to be interested in prosecuting the present matters."

The wrestlers had approached the High Court, alleging that the WFI elections were not conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Their plea called for intervention against what they claimed were procedural lapses and irregularities in the election process.

Due to the continuous non-appearance of the petitioners, the court dismissed the petitions for default and non-prosecution, ending the legal challenge against the WFI elections.

The case had garnered attention because of the involvement of some of India’s most renowned wrestlers, who had led the 2023 protests demanding reform and accountability within the federation.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket cont...Read More

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