Federal Judge Questions DOJ Decision on Dropped Adani Charges

US Federal Judge Orders DOJ to Provide Detailed Explanation for Dropping Adani Charges

A United States federal judge has ordered the US Justice Department (DOJ) to provide a detailed explanation for its decision to drop criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The request comes after the DOJ announced in May that it would no longer pursue prosecution.

Adani’s lawyers had previously requested that Brooklyn-based US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis formally dismiss the case, citing concerns about the jurisdiction of the case and the ability to prove bribery allegations. In a written ruling published on Wednesday, Garaufis stated that the DOJ’s initial notice did not provide sufficient information for the court to make an informed decision.

The judge set a July 13 deadline for prosecutors to submit more information regarding their decision. The case was initially brought in 2024, alleging Adani had agreed to bribe Indian government officials to secure a contract for a solar power plant. Adani has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has pledged a $10 billion investment in the US.

The DOJ’s decision to drop the charges came after Adani appointed Robert Giuffra, an attorney who is also one of US President Donald Trump’s personal lawyers, as part of his legal team. A member of Giuffra’s team, James McDonald, was previously involved in securing a favorable outcome for Adani in a separate case brought by the Justice Department under then-President Joe Biden.

Adani met with Donald Trump Jr., the US president’s son, earlier this week, according to Bloomberg News. The meeting took place during an ongoing investigation into the company’s activities.

Source: Al Jazeera