US judge drops charges against Gautam Adani after Justice Department move

A US federal judge dismissed criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani on Monday after the Justice Department requested the case be dropped, a decision the judge approved in a 47-page order while sharply criticizing how the dismissal was handled.

The judge noted the department argued much of the alleged conduct occurred outside the United States, complicating prosecution, and said the case no longer aligned with departmental priorities. The dismissal was granted with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be brought again.

Judge Nicholas Garaufis faulted R. Trent McCotter, principal associate deputy attorney general, for coordinating the dismissal with Adani’s lawyers without meaningful input from the prosecutors, FBI investigators or SEC staff who worked the case, calling that process “highly unusual.”

Adani, who never appeared in US court, welcomed the ruling and issued a statement on X expressing acceptance with humility and respect for the judicial process.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The Justice Department asked to dismiss the indictment citing jurisdictional limits and shifting priorities. Judge Garaufis required further explanation in June but ultimately approved the dismissal while highlighting procedural irregularities tied to McCotter’s involvement. The judge considered and rejected arguments that Adani’s announced US investment or job-creation pledge influenced the department’s decision.

The criminal dismissal is separate from other US actions: in May, Adani agreed to a $6m settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission over disclosure allegations and his nephew Sagar Adani agreed to pay $12m; Adani Enterprises also agreed to pay $275m over potential civil liability related to apparent US sanctions violations.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis approved the Justice Department’s request to dismiss charges against Gautam Adani in a 47-page order.
• The judge criticized R. Trent McCotter for coordinating the dismissal without meaningful input from prosecutors, FBI and SEC investigators.
• The charges were dismissed with prejudice; separate civil and SEC settlements involving Adani and his companies remain in place.