The controversy dates back to April-May 2021, when Delhi was experiencing one of the worst COVID-19 waves. Reports had surfaced claiming that Gambhir’s office and foundation were distributing antiviral drugs to the public at a time when such drugs were in short supply. Critics alleged that there was hoarding and unauthorized possession, which led to the Delhi government’s Drug Control Department filing a complaint under Section 18(c) read with Section 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, provisions that prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs without a valid license.
The complaint named Gambhir, his wife Natasha, his mother Seema, his foundation CEO Aprajita Singh and the Gautam Gambhir Foundation. In September 2021, the Supreme Court had stayed the trial court proceedings, but the case remained pending until the final ruling.
On Friday, Judge Neena Bansal Krishna delivered the verdict, formally quashing the criminal complaint and summons against the petitioners. The court ruled that the complaint was not maintainable, providing great relief to Gambhir and the other accused.
During the proceedings, the Drug Control Department argued that while the petitioners had distributed drugs without a valid license, their only defense was that the drugs were not sold but were provided free of charge. Gambhir’s legal team, however, insisted the distribution was strictly humanitarian, aimed at supporting citizens as hospitals, pharmacies and the government struggled to meet overwhelming demand for COVID-19 treatment.
The petition filed by Gambhir earlier sought quashing of the summons and complaint, maintaining that there was no criminal intent and emphasizing that no public harm resulted from the dissemination. Although the Supreme Court had lifted the initial stay in April 2024, prompting Gambhir to file a new recall policy, the final ruling has now resolved the matter.
The verdict also dismisses the Gautam Gambhir Foundation and family members serving as trustees, including his wife and mother. At the time of the ruling, Gambhir was with the Indian cricket team in Guwahati, preparing for the second Test against South Africa.
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