New York: In a significant development that has drawn global attention, US District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis has ordered Indian billionaire Gautam Adani to file a sworn affidavit by July 15, 2026, addressing whether any promises, agreements, or quid pro quo arrangements influenced the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to seek dismissal of a high-profile criminal indictment against him and his associates.
The order, issued on July 8, requires Adani to confirm under oath whether he is aware of “anything promised, offered, sought, received, agreed to, or accepted” in connection with the dismissal of the indictment, or of “any agreement exchanging anything for the dismissal of the Indictment.” The judge cited concerns over possible undisclosed arrangements raised in recent court filings.
The criminal case stems from a November 2024 indictment filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Prosecutors accused Gautam Adani, along with his nephew Sagar Adani, Vneet S. Jaain, and other executives, of orchestrating a scheme involving over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure lucrative solar power contracts in India. The alleged bribes were purportedly concealed while raising billions from US investors through misleading statements.
The charges included conspiracies to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and related offenses. The solar project was described as one of India’s largest, with projections of substantial long-term profits.
In May 2026, under the Trump administration, the DOJ moved to dismiss the charges “with prejudice,” arguing that the case was largely foreign in nature, involved complex jurisdictional issues, and did not warrant further US prosecutorial resources. A senior DOJ official has explicitly denied that Adani’s proposed investments in the United States influenced the decision.
Judge’s Concerns and DOJ Position
Judge Garaufis has repeatedly questioned the brevity of the DOJ’s initial explanations, describing them as “terse, bland and conclusory.” He has demanded more detailed justifications and is now directly probing Adani for assurances against any behind-the-scenes deals.
Adani’s legal team has pushed for immediate dismissal, while speculation has circulated about potential links to Adani Group’s interest in making significant US investments, though both the DOJ and defense have pushed back against quid pro quo narratives.
The court’s demand for a personal affidavit from Adani underscores judicial oversight in high-stakes corporate prosecutions involving international business and foreign bribery allegations.
The case has been closely watched in India and globally, intersecting with issues of corporate governance, cross-border investments, and US-India economic ties. Adani Group has consistently denied wrongdoing in the matter.
The affidavit is due imminently (July 15, 2026), and further court proceedings could clarify the fate of the prosecution. This episode highlights ongoing tensions in how US authorities handle complex foreign corruption cases involving major global players.
