Delhi HC issues notice on plea seeking policy for women athletes returning after maternity

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) sought the response of the Centre, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Indian Olympic Association on a petition by wrestler Vinesh Phogat, seeking a structured framework to facilitate the return of women athletes to competitive sports after pregnancy and maternity leave.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued the notice on the plea and listed the matter for further hearing on November 18.

Senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Ms. Phogat, said: “This is a larger question on lady athletes and maternity leave and impact on their ability to participate in the sport”. Mr. Rao pointed out that international standards provide certain benefits and protection of rankings to athletes who take maternity leave.

In the plea, Ms. Phogat sought directions for the formulation of a fair and structured framework for women athletes returning from maternity, transparent and objectively verifiable selection and nomination processes, as well as an alternative mechanism for athletes disadvantaged by maternity-related absences.

Ms. Phogat, who gave birth to a child in July 2025, has contended that after resuming her wrestling career, she was required to re-enter the competitive pathway without any accommodations for the period during which she could not compete due to maternity.

According to the plea, the eligibility criteria relied on performances in tournaments held during her maternity period, effectively penalising her for an absence over which she had no control, instead of providing an alternative route for her return to competition.

Ms. Phogat has also challenged two show-cause notices issued by the WFI and the disciplinary proceedings initiated against her.

The court asked the WFI’s counsel to obtain instructions on the matter and listed the challenge to the notices for hearing on September 29.

WFI’s counsel submitted that the federation had given Ms. Phogat two opportunities for a hearing but there had been “no show”. A final opportunity had now been granted and the hearing was scheduled for September 2, the counsel said.