Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.US Court dismisses Adani bribery case after two years, ending charges linked to Indian officials and investors
A US court on Monday dismissed the bribery and fraud case against industrialist Gautam Adani, bringing to an end a closely watched legal battle that began in 2024 over alleged payments to Indian government officials and alleged deception of US investors.US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn approved the US Department of Justice’s request to dismiss the case. The decision formally closes the proceedings against Adani, who had consistently rejected the allegations.
Adani later welcomed the ruling, saying he accepted the US court’s decision with “humility and deep respect” for the judicial process. The case had drawn international attention because the alleged bribery scheme was linked to a solar power contract in India, while part of the financing involved US investors.
Allegations centred on solar power contract
US prosecutors had alleged that Adani agreed to pay bribes to Indian government officials to help secure a solar energy project for a company linked to the Adani Group. The group had repeatedly denied the allegations.
The case, however, went beyond the alleged bribery arrangement in India because Adani Green Energy had raised money from investors in the United States.
- In September 2021, Adani Green Energy issued bonds worth $750 million.
- Around $175 million of that amount came from US investors.
- Prosecutors alleged investors were not given complete information about bribery-related risks.
- Questions were also raised over the company’s systems for preventing such payments.
US prosecutors alleged that the scheme involved bribery of foreign officials, misleading investors and fraud carried out through electronic means. The US Securities and Exchange Commission separately pursued action over allegations that investors had been provided false or incomplete information.
Justice Department sought dismissal in May
The US Justice Department had already indicated on May 18 that it would not pursue the case further. However, the proceedings could not be legally closed without approval from the court, leaving the final decision with Judge Garaufis.
The case had therefore remained formally pending even after the Justice Department’s decision. Monday’s ruling removes that remaining legal hurdle and brings the US criminal proceedings to a close.
The case attracted particular attention because the alleged conduct took place largely in India, raising questions about how US authorities could bring charges. The key connection was the involvement of US investors and financial transactions linked to the American market.
Adani built empire after leaving school
Adani began his business journey in 1988 after leaving school in Gujarat at the age of 16. He initially entered commodity trading before expanding his business interests dramatically over the following decades.
His group has since built major operations across several sectors, including:
- Ports and airports
- Mining and power generation
- Electricity transmission
- Logistics and infrastructure
The Adani Group is now among India’s largest infrastructure conglomerates. The dismissal of the US case is being viewed as a significant legal and reputational relief for the group, particularly given the international scrutiny surrounding the allegations.
For Adani, the court’s decision marks the formal end of a case that had remained a major challenge for the group since 2024. His public response focused on respect for the judicial process, while the dismissal means the US proceedings against him have now been closed.
