A U.S. federal court has dismissed criminal charges against Indian businessman Gautam Adani in an alleged fraud and bribery case. Brooklyn-based U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis approved a request by federal prosecutors to drop the case. However, the judge expressed concern over the Justice Department’s decision to abandon the prosecution.

The judge had sought clarification on the reasons for dropping the charges, including whether Mr Adani’s November 2024 pledge to invest 10 billion dollars in the United States had influenced the decision. Judge Garaufis said he was satisfied that the investment pledge had not played a role in the Justice Department’s decision. He also noted that the role of courts in reviewing prosecutors’ decisions to drop federal criminal charges is limited.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Gautam Adani said he welcomed it with humility and deep respect for the judicial process. He said that throughout the challenging period, his faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering. Mr Adani expressed gratitude to those who continued to have faith in him, the legal system and India’s capacity for justice. He said the Adani Group would remain committed to nation-building, creating lasting value and serving a larger purpose.