The Delhi government and the drug controller on Thursday informed the high court that Gautam Gambhir's foundation has been found guilty of non-authorised stocking, procuring and distributing Fabiflu medicine for Covid-19 treatment.
After vetting the inquiry report filed by the Drug Controller of Delhi, Justice Vipin Sanghi directed that action be taken against the Foundation as well as dealers who made unauthorised sales. Counsel for the Drug Controller of Delhi assured the court that action will be taken against all offenders.
The court, however. insisted that action shall not be taken against those purchasing drugs in the black market out of desperation.
On the cricketer-turned-politician, the court observed: "Mr. Gautam Gambhir has procured (drugs and oxygen) in public spirit and has spent a lot of money in procuring it. But at what cost? You did charity no doubt. But you also caused shortage and inconvenience. Maybe there was another way?"
On May 31, the Delhi High Court had said it cannot be taken for a ride, as it pulled up the drug controller, for not properly probing the issues involved in procurement of a huge quantity of Fabiflu by BJP MP Gautam Gambhir.
The high court also did not mince words in criticizing recent statement by Gambhir stating that he will continue to do such work. The bench said: "We have already said it is a malpractice. This tendency of people trying to take advantage and then trying to appear as a saviour when they themselves created the problem, has to be denounced."
The court was hearing a PIL seeking registration of a case on the allegation that politicians are able to procure in huge quantities and distribute Covid-19 medicines, even as patients were running from pillar to post to get them.
Shortly after the details of the hearing emerged, Gambhir channelled freedom icon Bhagat Singh in a tweet. The cricketer-turned-politician held firmly to his version that he has done nothing wrong and will continue to do what he could for the public good. "I am a man and all that affects mankind concerns me - Sardar Bhagat Singh!" - he tweeted.
