Home / Crime and Justice / US Judge Questions DOJ's Adani Case Dismissal
US Judge Questions DOJ's Adani Case Dismissal
27 Jun
Summary
- Judge demands fuller explanation from DOJ to drop Adani charges.
- DOJ previously dropped securities fraud and wire fraud charges.
- Adani's lawyers argue case is outside US jurisdiction.
US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis has halted the closure of the criminal case against billionaire Gautam Adani, demanding a more comprehensive explanation from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ had informed the court by July 13 it no longer wished to pursue charges of securities fraud and wire fraud, which were related to an alleged bribery scheme. The judge described the DOJ's initial filing as "terse, bland and conclusory," insufficient for dismissal approval.
Adani's legal representatives have argued that the case should be dismissed because it is beyond the scope of US law. They also stated that prosecutors would struggle to prove the bribery allegations in India. The DOJ's decision to drop the charges, according to Adani's lawyers, reflects a careful review of the indictment's weaknesses. This development does not guarantee the case's continuation, as judges typically have limited power to compel prosecutors to proceed with a case they intend to drop.
The criminal case, filed in 2024, accused Gautam Adani and others of paying over $250 million in bribes for solar power contracts. Separately, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pursuing a civil case, proposing settlements of $6 million for Gautam Adani and $12 million for Sagar Adani. Adani Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
