The Delhi High Court on Monday provided relief to former cricketer and current Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir by declining to reinstate a cheating case against him. A single-judge Bench, led by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, stayed the sessions court’s order that called for reconsideration of Gambhir’s discharge in the case. The court announced that a detailed judgment would follow.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around a 2011 housing project named Serra Bella, jointly promoted and advertised by three companies: Rudra Buildwell Realty, HR Infracity, and UM Architectures and Contractors. Gautam Gambhir, who served as an Additional Director at Rudra Buildwell Realty, also acted as the project’s brand ambassador.
Homebuyers later filed a cheating complaint when the project showed no progress, and they discovered that the land earmarked for it was embroiled in litigation.
In 2020, a trial court found evidence only against three individuals and two companies while discharging the rest of the accused, including Gambhir. However, this decision faced challenges in the sessions court.
Sessions Court Intervention
On October 29, the sessions court criticized the trial court’s decision, calling it an “inadequate expression of mind.” The sessions court set aside the discharge order for Gautam Gambhir and directed the trial court to reexamine the charges against him. It also noted that since cheating falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) might need to investigate the case for potential money laundering. A status report from the ED was requested.
High Court Relief for Gautam Gambhir
Challenging the sessions court’s decision, Gambhir approached the Delhi High Court. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Gambhir, argued that his client had no direct dealings with the homebuyers in his capacity as Rudra’s Additional Director. He further contended that subjecting Gambhir to further investigation would amount to harassment. Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi also presented arguments in Gambhir’s defense.
The High Court has now stayed the sessions court’s order and refrained from reinstating the charges against Gambhir, offering him significant relief while reserving its detailed judgment.
