Gauhati High Court Stay on WFI Elections Amidst Controversy: Latest Updates

In a recent development, the Gauhati High Court has issued a stay on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, which were originally scheduled for July 11. The court's decision came after the Assam Wrestling Federation filed a plea seeking a halt to the elections due to ongoing controversies surrounding the WFI.

Gauhati High Court puts WFI Elections on hold amidst controversy

Election Postponement:

Initially planned for July 6, the WFI elections were rescheduled to July 11. The polling was set to take place from 11 am to 1:20 pm, followed by the counting of votes and the announcement of results on the same day.

Prominent Wrestlers' Protest:

Several well-known wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, have been actively protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. Allegations of sexual harassment have been made against Singh, and the wrestlers have demanded his arrest and removal from the organization. The protest began earlier this year near the iconic Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Role of Returning Officer and Ad Hoc Committee:

Mahesh Mittal Kumar, the newly-appointed returning officer for the WFI elections, announced July 6 as the date for the polls on June 13. In April, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formed a three-member ad hoc committee to oversee the WFI's day-to-day activities and the selection of wrestlers for international events on an interim basis.

Assurances from Sports Ministry:

Following a meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Bajrang Punia expressed confidence that the Delhi Police investigation into the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh would be completed by June 15. Subsequently, the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against the WFI chief and recommended the cancellation of the complaint filed by a minor wrestler alleging sexual harassment. However, the minor and her father later retracted their statements, leading to the police's request for the withdrawal of the case.

The decision by the Gauhati High Court to stay the Wrestling Federation of India elections has further complicated the ongoing controversy surrounding the organization. With allegations of sexual harassment against the WFI chief and the demand for his removal by prominent wrestlers, the fate of the elections and the leadership of the WFI remain uncertain.