The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (September 1) issued notice on wrestler Vinesh Phogat's plea seeking a policy for women athletes who return to sports following pregnancy and maternity leave.

Phogat welcomed her first child in July 2025. Senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao appearing for Phogat submitted before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma that the plea concerned a larger question of policy.

"This is a larger question on lady athletes and maternity leave and impact on their ability to participate in the sport. In fact international standards are that female athlete who takes maternity leave is given some benefits and protection of her ranking etc," Rao said.

The court issued notice on the petition and asked the respondents including the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to file their response, listing the matter on November 18.

Phogat has also moved another plea questioning two show cause notices issued to her by WFI over disciplinary proceedings.

"First petition raises question on two show cause notices. Your lordships had initially directed them to adjudicate my first show cause even that has not been done. I'm only requesting if my lord can consider on a short returnable date," Rao said.

Meanwhile the counsel for WFI submitted, "Twice we have kept the hearing, twice there has been a no show. Final opportunity is given, the hearing is tomorrow". Rao however said that this was a case where the petitioner had asked them to indicate who the disciplinary committee is.

In this matter, the court asked the WFI to seek instructions and listed it on September 29.

Case title: Vinesh Phogat v/s Wrestling Federation of India & Ors.

W.P.(C)-12674/2026, W.P.(C)-12639/2026