A United States federal judge has dismissed the criminal case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after the US Justice Department decided not to continue its prosecution involving alleged bribery and fraud.

US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn approved the government’s request on Monday. However, the judge reportedly expressed reservations about the process through which the Justice Department reached its decision.

What Was the Case About?

US prosecutors had accused Adani and other executives of involvement in a scheme to pay bribes to Indian officials connected with renewable-energy contracts and of misleading investors who provided funds in the United States.

Adani and his group consistently denied the accusations.

The Justice Department cited the case’s predominantly foreign character, challenges in proving the allegations and changing enforcement priorities while seeking dismissal.

Dismissal Is Not an Acquittal on Merits

The court’s order brings the criminal prosecution to an end, but it should not be reported as a judicial finding that every allegation was false.

The case was dismissed at the prosecution’s request before the evidence was tested through a complete criminal trial. The distinction is important because an acquittal follows adjudication, while dismissal can arise from prosecutorial or procedural decisions.

The judge also examined whether Adani’s previously announced US investment commitments influenced the decision. According to the Reuters report, he concluded that the investment pledge was not the legal basis for granting dismissal.

Separate Civil Proceedings

Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani had separately agreed to financial settlements concerning related civil regulatory proceedings, without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

The dismissal is expected to reduce a major legal uncertainty surrounding the Adani Group and could improve its access to international financing. Market reaction should nevertheless be reported separately using current exchange data.