Delhi High Court dismisses criminal case against Gambhir:India’s head coach was accused of hoarding drugs during COVID-19 pandemic

The Delhi High Court has dismissed the criminal case against Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for alleged hoarding of medicines and their unlicensed distribution. On Friday, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna stated, “The criminal complaint against Gambhir and his foundation is quashed.” Three years ago, on 20th September 2021, the High Court had imposed an interim stay on any proceedings in this matter. A petition had challenged the trial court’s summons against Gambhir, his wife, mother, and foundation. It also sought the quashing of the criminal complaint. High Court had issued a stay 3 years ago In 2021, some reports claimed that Gambhir’s office was distributing COVID medicines to the needy. The opposition called it illegal stocking. Whereas, Gambhir claimed it was an act done on humanitarian grounds. No one was harmed by it. Following this, the trial court issued summons against the accused. Also Read| ‘Some people individually have agendas,’ Sitanshu Kotak defends Gautam Gambhir after Kolkata Test loss Distributed medicines during COVID The Drug Control Department of the Delhi government had filed a complaint against the then East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir, his NGO, Aparajita Singh, Gambhir’s mother Seema Gambhir, and wife Natasha Gambhir under Section 18(c) read with Section 27(b)(2) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Seema Gambhir and Natasha Gambhir are trustees of this organisation. Section 18(c) prohibits the production, sale, and distribution of medicines without a license. Whereas, Section 27(b)(2) provides for imprisonment for selling and distributing medicines without a valid license.