Another layer has been added to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) controversy as the new body under the leadership of Sanjay Kumar Singh has been suspended by the Sports Ministry. The ministry announced its decision on Sunday, 24th December, citing that the WFI body had shown complete disregard for the existing rules and regulations.
In an official release, the Sports Ministry stated that the announcement for National competitions was hasty, and due process was not followed. The ministry pointed out that the president of the newly elected body, Sanjay Kumar Singh, announced on 21st December that the junior National competitions would begin before the end of the year. The ministry emphasized that this was against the rules, and at least a 15-day notice was needed for wrestlers to prepare.
The ministry clarified in its press release that decisions regarding Nationals are to be taken by the executive committee, and agendas are required to be placed for consideration, as per Article 11 of the WFI Constitution. Under the heading "Notices and Quorum for Meetings," the minimum notice period for an executive committee meeting is 15 clear days, with a quorum of one-third of representatives. Even for emergency executive committee meetings, the minimum notice period is seven clear days with a quorum requirement of one-third of representatives.
The ministry also alleged that the new body appeared to be in complete control of the previous office bearers against whom sexual allegations and harassments have been made. The hint was clear in reference to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Earlier, on 23rd December, Sakshi Malik had called out WFI for hosting the junior National competitions in Gonda, the stronghold of Brij Bhushan Singh, who was ousted by the ministry for his alleged involvement in sexual harassment and intimidation.
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