No Stay for Gambhir in Covid Drug Case
Delhi HC denies stay on trial against cricket coach.
The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to halt trial court proceedings against Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, his foundation, and family members accused of illegally stocking and distributing Covid-19 drugs. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, while refusing a temporary reprieve, scheduled a hearing for August 29 to address Gambhir’s petition to quash the FIR and reverse an April 9 order that lifted a prior stay on the trial.
Gambhir’s counsel, Jai Anant Dehadrai, highlighted his client’s credentials as a former MP and cricketer, noting his efforts to provide oxygen cylinders and medicines during the Covid-19 crisis. The judge dismissed these as irrelevant, emphasizing that “name dropping” would not influence the court. Dehadrai, apologizing for the approach, urged the court to restore the stay or hear the plea before September 8, when the trial court is set to proceed, potentially summoning Gambhir’s wife, Natasha, and mother, Seema.
The case stems from a complaint by the Drug Control Department against Gambhir, his foundation, its CEO Aprajita Singh, and trustees Seema and Natasha Gambhir. They face charges under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for manufacturing, selling, and distributing drugs without a license, offenses punishable by three to five years in prison and fines. The allegations relate to unauthorized activities during the pandemic.
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In 2021, the high court had initially stayed the trial and sought a response from the Delhi drug control authority. However, the stay was vacated on April 9 after Gambhir’s counsel failed to appear, prompting the current legal battle. The court noted that recalling the stay requires notice to the prosecution, which was not issued earlier.
The case has drawn attention due to Gambhir’s high-profile status and raises questions about accountability for actions taken during the chaotic pandemic period. The upcoming hearing on August 29 will be critical in determining whether the FIR and trial proceedings against Gambhir and his foundation will be quashed.
