Gautam Gambhir cleared as Delhi High Court drops criminal case in COVID-19 drug hoarding row

In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has closed the criminal case against Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and his charitable foundation. The Delhi High Court dismissed accusations of distributing COVID-19 drugs during the pandemic, bringing significant relief to the former Indian cricketer.

Gambhir is currently with the India national cricket team for the second and final Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The head coach has been under scrutiny following the team’s poor outings in home Tests. Notably, the Men in Blue lost the first Test by 30 runs at Eden Gardens.

Complaint Filed Against Gautam Gambhir, His Family, and Foundation Officials in July 2021

The Delhi Drugs Control Department filed a case in July 2021 against Gautam Gambhir, his mother Seema, his wife Natasha, the Gambhir Foundation, and its CEO Aprajita Singh. The complaint was based on alleged violations of Sections 18(c) and 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

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Gambhir challenged the complaint, stating that the medicines were provided free of charge and were never sold for monetary gain. He also argued that his family members were wrongly included without any evidence linking them to the procurement or distribution process.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, reviewing the matter, noted that the medicines and oxygen cylinders had been obtained through legitimate suppliers and were stored correctly. The court observed that there were no accusations of tampering.

Delhi High Court Drops Criminal Case Against Gautam Gambhir

The Delhi High Court dismissed the case filed against Gautam Gambhir and his charitable foundation over allegations of improper procurement and distribution of Fabiflu during the second wave of COVID-19.

The court concluded that the organization’s actions were humanitarian in nature and intended solely to help people during a severe health crisis, without any profit motive.

In its detailed judgment, the court ruled that there was no violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The judge emphasized that the foundation acted in good faith and that their conduct did not amount to any criminal wrongdoing.

“The facts… clearly reflect that the petitioners, as conscious citizens, chose to use their means to extend a helping hand to people in distress… Their good-faith acts, at the time of need, do not bring home any commission of offence,” the court said.

Have Always Had Complete Faith in the Judicial System - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir took to social media and reacted to the court’s decision. The former Indian opener expressed his faith in the legal system and thanked advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai for his support.

"I have always had complete faith in the judicial system! Thanks @jai_a_dehadrai," Gambhir wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

I have always had complete faith in the judicial system! Thanks @jai_a_dehadrai https://t.co/nazLorD3Ud

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 21, 2025

Gambhir had a successful career as a top-order batter for India before joining politics. He was elected as the MP from East Delhi during the 2019 general election. He later stepped away from politics to take on a new role in cricket, returning to the sport as the head coach of the men’s national team.

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