Delhi High Court Quashes Criminal Case Against Gautam Gambhir in Covid-19 Drugs Controversy
Delhi HC quashes criminal case against Gautam Gambhir and family over Covid-19 medicine distribution.
In a significant verdict, the Delhi High Court on Friday quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against former Indian cricketer and current head coach Gautam Gambhir, his family members, and the Gautam Gambhir Foundation concerning alleged unauthorized stocking and distribution of Covid-19 medicines during the pandemic's second wave. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna pronounced the order, bringing closure to a legal battle that has spanned several years.
The case was originally filed by the Delhi Government's Drug Control Department, accusing Gambhir, his wife Natasha Gambhir, mother Seema Gambhir, the foundation’s CEO Aprajita Singh, and the foundation of violating Sections 18(c) and 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by distributing medicines without a valid license. The foundation had organized free medical camps distributing drugs such as Fabiflu and medical oxygen to assist patients amid critical shortages.
The legal proceedings saw various twists, including a stay on trial court proceedings in September 2021, which was lifted in April 2025. Gambhir had challenged the summons and criminal complaint in the High Court, arguing that there was no case for prosecution since no drugs were sold and medicines were procured legally for charitable purposes. The Drug Control Department had opposed the plea, claiming the distribution without a license was unlawful and needed trial.
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With the quashing of the criminal complaint, Gambhir and his family are relieved from the ongoing legal pressures and can now refocus on their public and philanthropic work. The judgment reflects judicial recognition of the complexities around Covid-19 relief efforts and balances enforcement with the need to support pandemic response initiatives.
This decision is expected to allow Gambhir, a prominent public figure and sports personality, to move beyond the shadows of litigation, restoring focus on his coaching duties and social initiatives aimed at aiding vulnerable communities.
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