Delhi High Court Seeks NADA’s Response on Bajrang Punia’s Petition Challenging Suspension

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday requested a response from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regarding a petition filed by wrestler Bajrang Punia, challenging his suspension. The plea comes just ahead of the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania this October.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to NADA. While Punia’s counsel sought interim relief, the court observed that no formal application had been filed for the same. Senior advocate Rajiv Dutta, representing Punia, argued that his client is being “hounded” and stressed the urgency of his need to practice ahead of the global event. However, the court questioned Punia’s refusal to submit a doping test sample, asking, “How will they let you play if you don’t test?”

Punia’s lawyer explained that the refusal was due to the use of an “outdated kit” and that the athlete was seeking clarity from the authorities.

In response, NADA’s counsel stated that a disciplinary panel was reviewing the issue and assured that Punia was not being targeted.

The court advised Punia to raise his concerns with the panel and set the matter for further hearing in October.

Punia’s suspension, which took effect on June 21, was issued after an earlier suspension was revoked in late May due to procedural lapses by NADA. Punia was first suspended in April after refusing to provide a urine sample during selection trials in Sonepat on March 10. The international wrestling body, United World Wrestling, had also suspended him.

In his petition, filed by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, Punia contended that NADA violated anti-doping testing protocols, infringing upon his constitutional right to practice his profession and earn a livelihood. He warned that the suspension could force him into premature retirement if not lifted.