In the illegal Covid drugs stocking case, the Indian team head coach and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir has not yet found a way out. Amid new twists and turns, this complex case involving himself, Gautam Gambhir Foundation, family members, including his wife (Natasha Gambhir) and Trustee mother (Seema Gambhir), is again picking up steam.
The Delhi High Court refused to put a stay on this trial court investigation on Monday. This matter came to light after the Delhi Drug Control Department moved to court during the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021 against illegal stocking and distribution of COVID-19 drugs.
While hearing Gambhir’s advocate Jai Ananat Dehadrai, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna clarified that bringing a famous name in the world of cricket and his posting as an Indian head coach, former cricketer, and ex-MP wouldn’t work in the court. Gambhir had filed a petition to revoke the FIR or proceed with the hearing before September 8, as his wife and mother would be summoned. However, the court maintained a strict stance, staying away from offering immediate relief, citing August 29 as the date to proceed with the case.
“Once you get a stay, you stop appearing, the investigation stops, nothing survives, and the whole case goes”, the judge maintained the law and order over granting withdrawal of the stay.
What is Covid Drugs Stocking Case?
Gautam Gambhir is an accused in this case after a relief campaign when his foundation got involved in supplying oxygen cylinders and medicines to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advocate appealed to the court, stating that this step came when the whole health infrastructure was broken during the pandemic, and the government was also helpless. However, the judge mentioned these inputs were irrelevant to the case, denying name-dropping and popularity. In response, the counsel sought an apology and asked for an early hearing before the trial court moves on with taking action against the accused individuals.
The Delhi Drug Control Department had registered a case against Gambhir, his family and the foundation, blaming them for breaching the law. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act in Sections 18 (C) and 27(B) (ii) mentions that storing medicines without a valid license and indulging in distribution is a criminal offence. As a consequence, the law inflicts imprisonment for three to five years with a monetary penalty. In this context, the trial court had summoned the CEO of the foundation, Aprajita Singh, Gambhir, his wife and his mother. To resolve this issue, Gambhir had filed a plea in the high court.
During initial proceedings, the High Court dismissed the action taken by the trial court on September 20, 2021, asking for a clear response from the Delhi Drug Control Authority. However, the court removed the stay on April 9, 2025, citing the absence of the lawyer from Gambhir’s end.
What is next for Gautam Gambhir?
Gambhir has a new drama in his life just before the Asia Cup 2025 commences on September 9 in the UAE. The next day, India will meet the UAE for a group stage match, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium.
Gambhir’s advocate stated that the stay was reversed without listening to his arguments. He requested the court to maintain the stay or proceed with the hearing before September 8. However, the court is seeing this matter in a transparent manner, irrespective of Gambhir’s clean image as an ex-MP, former indian cricketer and current head coach, fuming clouds of tension after four years of the noble cause ahead of an important tournament kicks off.
