WFI election-related sports code violations | HC Citing
This happened a few days after the WFI published a circular inviting the protesting wrestlers to take part in national trials intended to qualify them for the Olympics.
Protesting wrestlers, who include Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik as well as World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, have filed an urgent petition in the Delhi High Court requesting the de-recognition of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the setting aside of the poll results, on the grounds that the federation was held in violation of the sports code.
This happened a few days after the WFI published a circular inviting the protesting wrestlers to take part in national trials intended to qualify them for the Olympics.
According to a source, the urgent request also states that the WFI trial would not be fair or free without the court’s intervention, and it would have an impact on the wrestlers’ careers.
In a circular, the WFI said that its trials will take place on March 10–11, coinciding with the dates of the ad hoc committee created by the Indian Olympic Association. The tryouts will take place at the IG Stadium in New Delhi, the WFI confirmed. Additionally, trials for the males in Patiala and the women in Sonipat have been scheduled by the ad hoc committee.
Sources claim that the urgent petition also states that the sports ministry has permitted the WFI to use its facilities (IG Stadium) for trials, even though it has suspended the organization’s elected body.
The urgent appeal also raises concerns about how the suspended WFI obtained authorization to hold trials at a location owned by the Sports Authority of India and the sports ministry.
Three days after the WFI’s elections on December 21, the sports ministry suspended the organization for “blatant disregard for established legal and procedural norms.”
The WFI‘s new president is Sanjay Singh, a close associate to the late president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP. Following the filing of a complaint alleging sexual harassment by six female wrestlers against Brij Bhushan, a number of the nation’s best wrestlers staged protests demanding his arrest.
The Indian Olympic Association was also instructed by the sports ministry to form an ad hoc committee to oversee the WFI’s daily operations.
The WFI was put on hold for six months by the United World Wrestling (UWW) due to a delay in holding elections. Sanjay Singh was once again president, nevertheless, when the UWW withdrew its temporary suspension of the WFI earlier this month. Meanwhile, since UWW lifted the suspension imposed on the WFI, the sports ministry has said nothing.
In addition, the petition claims that the sports ministry disregarded the WFI’s violations of the sports code.
Sources claim that the urgent petition states that members of the WFI’s elected body are those who have served three terms or longer in their state wrestling units and have not had a cooling-off period. The petition further states that neither the WFI nor the state units have a legitimate Athletes’ Commission, and that several members of the executive committee of the WFI are older than 70.
It has come to light that the high court’s urgent appeal also demands that the ad hoc committee either name an administrator to oversee the federation or continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the WFI. In addition, the petition has requested that the court order the WFI office-bearers to refrain from communicating with UWW without first obtaining approval from the ad hoc committee. The urgent appeal also asks the court to issue an injunction prohibiting the WFI from making any decisions that conflict with those made by the ad hoc committee or the sports ministry, according to sources.
The urgent petition also draws attention to the fact that, despite being aware that the ad hoc committee had set dates for their event, the suspended WFI held a separate national championship.
Suspension by United World Wrestling
The WFI’s troubles extend beyond the borders of India. The United World Wrestling (UWW) has suspended the WFI for its failure to conduct elections in a timely manner. The suspension adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the WFI must regain UWW’s recognition to participate in international wrestling events.
Compliance with the Sports Code and its Implications
The Sports Code sets age and tenure limits for members of the executive committee and mandates the appointment of prominent sportspersons with voting rights. It also promotes transparency and good governance in sports bodies. The Delhi High Court has made the Sports Code applicable to all National Sports Federations (NSFs) and emphasized its compliance as a condition for recognition by the Sports Ministry.
The Way Forward
To resolve the ongoing controversy, it is crucial for the WFI and the ad-hoc committee to address the concerns raised by the HAWA and other state wrestling associations. Conducting the elections afresh, with a revised list of eligible candidates and adherence to the Sports Code, would be a significant step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Conclusion
The WFI elections have faced numerous challenges and legal battles, with allegations of violations of the National Sports Code. The Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association has called for a fresh election to ensure transparency and fairness. It is imperative for the WFI and the ad-hoc committee to address these concerns and conduct the elections in accordance with the Sports Code. By doing so, the WFI can restore integrity to the electoral process and promote good governance in the sport of wrestling.
