The Delhi High Court has reserved its judgment on a plea by the Gautam Gambhir Foundation seeking to quash a criminal case over alleged illegal stocking and distribution of COVID-19 medicines during the second wave. The case has attracted attention due to Gambhir’s role as a former BJP MP and relief efforts.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on a plea filed by the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, seeking to quash a criminal case against it. The case relates to the alleged illegal stocking and distribution of COVID-19 medicines during the second wave of the pandemic in India, a period when former cricketer and then BJP Member of Parliament Gautam Gambhir was associated with the foundation.
The plea challenges the legal proceedings initiated against the foundation, arguing that the allegations are “without any basis” and that the foundation was actively engaged in relief work during the pandemic to help those in need.
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The petitioners stated that the foundation’s actions were “purely humanitarian” and aimed at assisting COVID-19 patients amid a nationwide health crisis.
During the proceedings, the Delhi High Court noted the sensitive nature of the matter and the public interest involved.
The bench observed that the case involves allegations of serious offences under provisions related to the illegal distribution of drugs, which require careful examination.
The foundation, through its legal representatives, submitted that there was “no deliberate wrongdoing” on its part and that the medicines were procured and distributed following proper procedures.
They argued that the criminal case could set a “wrong precedent” for NGOs and charitable organizations providing urgent aid during emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court also considered the submissions that the case had caused “considerable reputational damage” to the foundation and its associates, including Gautam Gambhir, who had been actively supporting relief efforts during the second wave.
The petition highlighted that such legal proceedings could discourage voluntary organisations from participating in future relief efforts during emergencies.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, the Delhi High Court decided to reserve its judgment, giving parties a date for the announcement of the verdict.
Legal experts noted that the case could have wider implications for the accountability of NGOs in emergency relief operations and the scope of legal scrutiny they may face while conducting humanitarian work.
The bench emphasized the need to balance enforcement of law with recognition of the urgent relief activities carried out by charitable institutions during unprecedented crises.
The verdict is expected to provide clarity on the extent of legal protection available to organisations engaged in pandemic relief and the limits of criminal liability in such contexts.
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