Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Delhi High Court Quashes COVID-19 Drugs Case Against Gautam Gambhir and His Foundation

The court held the supplies were lawfully procured for a free medical camp, concluding no offence was disclosed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Image
Image
Image
In his petition, Gambhir argued that the complaint was unjustified because he had distributed medicines free of cost and had not sold them for profit. He also said his family members had been named without basis. (HT Archive)

Overview

  • Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on November 21 set aside the criminal complaint and the Rohini trial court’s summoning orders against Gautam Gambhir, his foundation, and family members.
  • The written ruling says the medicines and oxygen were obtained through valid channels, distributed free under medical supervision, and properly stored, warning that prosecution in such circumstances would have a chilling effect on emergency aid.
  • The Drugs Control Department had alleged unauthorised stocking and distribution of Favipiravir (Fabiflu) and oxygen under Sections 18(c) and 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
  • The case traced a long procedural path: HC stay in September 2021, stay vacated on April 9, 2025, judgment reserved on August 29, and the quashing order delivered on November 21.
  • Coverage notes the ruling could influence similar prosecutions against then AAP MLAs Praveen Kumar and Imran Hussain, while Gambhir publicly welcomed the verdict and praised the judiciary.