Newyork: U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in New York dismissed the criminal charges after the U.S. Department of Justice decided it would no longer pursue the prosecution. The dismissal was made with prejudice, meaning the criminal indictment cannot simply be brought again in its present form.
The case originated in November 2024, when U.S. prosecutors accused Adani and other defendants of participating in an alleged solar-project bribery scheme. Prosecutors also alleged that investors in U.S. markets were misled about the company's conduct and compliance measures. Adani and the Adani Group rejected the allegations.
Judge Raises Questions Over DOJ Decision
While allowing the dismissal, Judge Garaufis expressed concerns about how the Justice Department reached its decision to abandon the prosecution. Reuters reported that the judge criticized senior DOJ official Trent McCotter for bypassing the views of investigators and prosecutors involved in the case. The Justice Department maintained that the case presented difficulties of proof and involved conduct largely outside the United States.
The judge also considered questions surrounding a previously announced $10 billion U.S. investment commitment by Adani. The ruling did not find that the investment pledge influenced the dismissal.
Separate Civil Matters Settled
The criminal dismissal is separate from related civil proceedings. Gautam Adani agreed to pay $6 million, while Sagar Adani agreed to pay $12 million in an SEC settlement, without admitting or denying wrongdoing. Adani Enterprises also reached a separate $275 million settlement with the U.S. Treasury over alleged Iran sanctions violations.
A Major Relief for Adani Group
The dismissal removes one of the most significant international legal uncertainties surrounding the Adani Group. Gautam Adani welcomed the decision, saying his faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law had remained unwavering.
For Adani, the courtroom battle is now over — but the circumstances surrounding the government's decision to abandon the prosecution are likely to remain a subject of public and legal scrutiny.
