Supreme Court Disposes WFI Plea Against Vinesh Phogat’s Trial Participation as Infructuous

June 4, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Thursday disposed of a petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s order that had allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, holding that the matter had become infructuous due to subsequent developments.

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar observed that since Phogat had already participated in the selection trials and did not qualify, the dispute no longer survived for adjudication. The court, however, clarified that it was not endorsing or reiterating the findings and observations made by the Delhi High Court in its earlier order and left all legal questions open for consideration in appropriate proceedings.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate D.N. Goburdhun, appearing for the WFI, informed the bench that Phogat had been permitted to take part in the selection trials held on May 30 and 31 but was unsuccessful in securing selection. In view of these developments, the Supreme Court noted that the issue had become academic and no further orders were required.

Goburdhun also raised concerns over certain observations made by the Delhi High Court regarding decisions taken by the Wrestling Federation of India, which had been described as “malafide” and “deplorable.” He submitted that such remarks could prejudice ongoing proceedings before the High Court’s single-judge bench and sought appropriate clarification.

Taking note of the submission, the Supreme Court stated that all issues remained open and clarified that its order should not be construed as affirming any observations made by the High Court. The bench thereafter disposed of the WFI’s appeal as infructuous.

The dispute stemmed from a Delhi High Court order dated May 22, which allowed Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. The WFI had challenged that order before the Supreme Court. On May 29, the apex court had permitted Phogat to take part in the trials pending consideration of the federation’s plea.