Gautam Gambhir is trapped in a case where there are allegations against his foundation (Gautam Gambhir Foundation or GGF), and family members for allegedly storing and distributing COVID-19 medications like Fabiflu (favipiravir) and medical oxygen without the necessary licenses, violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. These activities reportedly took place during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi, through free medical camps organized by the foundation.
April – May 2021: Free Medical Camps And Early Investigations
From April 22 to May 7, 2021, the Gautam Gambhir Foundation organized free medical camps in Jagriti Enclave, East Delhi, to help COVID-19 patients. At these camps, the foundation is claimed to have given away drugs like Fabiflu and medical oxygen without licenses to possess or distribute. While the BJP openly admitted to the purpose of the camps, Delhi Police carried out two investigations and cleared Gambhir of any wrongdoing. Yet, the Drug Control Department of the Delhi government continued to investigate charges against the foundation.
May 2021: Delhi High Court Involvement And Investigations
On May 1, 2021, the Delhi High Court sought to know how Gambhir was procuring and distributing bulk amounts of prescription COVID-19 drugs such as Fabiflu without a license. The court raised questions over the effect on the availability of the drug for others and asked the Drug Controller to look into bulk buying by politicians, including Gambhir.
Subsequently, on May 24, 2021, the High Court instructed the Delhi Drug Controller to present a status report on questions pertaining to Gambhir’s purchase of 2,343 Fabiflu strips and another 2,628 strips procured through the foundation by means of a doctor at Garg Hospital. The court recognized Gambhir’s noble intentions but observed that his actions might have unintentionally exacerbated drug shortages. The hearing was adjourned to May 31, 2021.
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Post-May 2021: Criminal Complaint Filed
The Delhi Drug Control Department, after conducting the investigation, filed a criminal complaint under Section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code before the Rohini magistrate court. The complaint was filed against Gambhir, the GGF, CEO Aprajita Singh, and Gambhir’s wife Natasha and mother Seema, who are the trustees of the foundation. Charges were formulated under Sections 18(c) and 27(b)(ii) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which deal with unlicensed production, sale, or distribution of drugs and involve 3-5 years imprisonment and fines. A summoning order was passed by the trial court.
September 2021: Stay On Trial Proceedings
On 20 September 2021, the Delhi High Court issued a stay over trial proceedings after a petition by Gambhir, the foundation, and relatives challenging the criminal complaint and summons. The court asked for a response from the Delhi Drug Control Authority over the stay.
April 2025: Stay Lifted, Case Resumes
On 9 April 2025, the Delhi High Court decided to lift the stay on the trial proceedings after Gambhir’s lawyer did not turn up in court. The case was set for further hearing on 29 August 2025.
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August 2025: Refusal to Reinstate Stay
On 25 August 2025, the Delhi High Court refused to stay the trial court proceeding against Gambhir and others who have been accused. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna will now be hearing the case on August 29. The defence attorney highlighted Gambhir’s stature as an head coach of the Indian team and ex-player, former MP, and pandemic relief worker, but the court clearly mentioned that these were immaterial to the legal issue. The court pointed out that stays tend to result in delays and no-shows. The petition to recall the April 9 order and quash the FIR was fixed for hearing on August 29, with the defense seeking an early hearing before the trial date on September 8, 2025, to prevent summons of Gambhir’s mother and wife.
Upcoming Dates
August 29, 2025: Delhi High Court to hear the petition to quash the FIR and consider the order vacating the stay.
September 8, 2025: Trial court is to go ahead, where Gambhir’s relatives could be called if the case goes on.
