Gautam Gambhir to be jailed? Delhi High Court comes down hard
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Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir has been blasted by the Delhi High Court after his lawyer tried to manipulate the court with his widespread fame, as the judge refused to halt the court trial of the Indian coach over claims of illegal distribution of COVID-19 drugs.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir is always surrounded by media buzz over his controversial and shocking decisions made as the head coach of the national team. He was recently criticized for his decision to snub Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup squad.
However, his court proceedings with the Delhi High Court and the Court's stern disapproval of delaying the trial have landed Gautam Gambhir in a major fix ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
'Name dropping would not work.' Gautam Gambhir's request for reprieve was declined
The Delhi High Court, one of the pillars of the judiciary in India, has denied halting the trial against Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The proceedings are set to be carried on over Gambhir and his foundation, who were accused of illegally distributing COVID-19 drugs during the pandemic.
Gambhir had requested a reprieve; however, it was declined by the justice, and so was his petition to quash the FIR, which was also not considered. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna stated that name-dropping would not work in the court.
Gautam Gambhir's lawyer tried to highlight several aspects, which included the status of the former MP and the captain of the state team, a national-level athlete, and now a national coach, as well as his social virtue, stating that he had donated oxygen cylinders and medicines during the pandemic.
"Had you made a simple request, I would have considered it. You are trying to tell me so many things. Firstly, the name (of the party), his credentials, the work done by him... You are trying name-dropping as if it will work in the court. It does not work," the judge was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Delhi High Court further denies stay on Gambhir's trial
After denying his appeal for a reprieve, his lawyer had also requested relief, as the trial court hearing is set to take place on the 8th of September, just two days before India kick-starts their campaign in the Asia Cup.
However, the court believes that the stay, once granted, would surely mark them absent from any further hearings, while the investigation would also cease, and the entire case would eventually be dismissed.
The registered complaint holds CEO Aprajita Singh, Gambhir, and his mother, Seema, as well as his wife, Natasha, accused under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Gambhir will be with the Indian team during the trial proceedings on the 8th of September
Gautam Gambhir, since his appointment as the Indian coach, Gautam Gambhir has won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with the Indian team, while the ACC Asia Cup would mark the second landmark tournament for preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
As the first practice session is being scheduled on the 5th of September, and India is yet to decide on their final playing XI, Gambhir's presence would be largely needed. Hence, before the court trial begins, Gambhir will be with the Indian team in the UAE.
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