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4h ago

Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Gautam Gambhir’s Plea to Quash COVID-Drug Case

The drugs regulator argues the challenge is procedurally improper and says the dispute should proceed to trial.

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Gambhir had approached the high court directly without first challenging the summons before the sessions court. (HT Photo)

Overview

  • Justice Neena Bansal Krishna heard arguments from Gautam Gambhir’s side and the Delhi Drugs Control Department before reserving the decision.
  • The department opposed the petition as not maintainable, saying Gambhir should have first challenged the summoning order before the sessions court and that only a trial can test the allegations.
  • The July 2021 complaint names Gambhir, his mother Seema, his wife Natasha, the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, and its CEO Aprajita Singh under Sections 18(c) and 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which carry three to five years’ imprisonment and a fine.
  • Gambhir’s counsel contended the medicines were distributed free to people in need with no commercial intent, arguing this warrants quashing of the complaint and summons.
  • A prior stay on trial proceedings granted in September 2021 was vacated on April 9, 2025, the court recently cautioned the defence against name‑dropping, and the trial court has the matter listed on September 8 with the High Court asking the defence to seek an adjournment.