Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani is on the verge of clearing his largest global legal hurdle after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to a civil settlement regarding a high-profile ₹2,500 crore ($265 million) bribery and fraud case.

According to federal court filings published late Thursday, the Adani Group chairman and his nephew Sagar Adani have agreed to pay a combined $18 million (approx. ₹172.4 crore) in civil penalties to resolve the SEC's November 2024 lawsuit. Crucially, the proposed settlement, which is now subject to final US court approval, does not include any admission of guilt or denial of the wrongdoing by the Adanis.

Parallelly, reports from Washington indicate that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is moving to drop corresponding criminal fraud charges against the Adanis, sparking an immediate and fierce political storm back home in India.

Bourses react as Adani stocks surge

The news brought immediate relief to the conglomerate's listed entities, triggering a sharp rally on domestic stock exchanges during early trading on Friday.

Market analysts noted that the development would heavily repair the group’s international investor perception, which took a severe hit after the initial US indictments capped off the lingering effects of the 2023 Hindenburg Research report.

Political sparring erupts in New Delhi

Even as the markets cheered, the political landscape in New Delhi grew highly charged. Seizing on the international development, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a direct offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi alleged that the recent India-US interim trade framework was leveraged to secure relief for the industrialist. "The compromised PM did not strike a trade deal, but a bargain for Adani's release," Gandhi wrote in Hindi.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh echoed the sentiment, characterizing the trade arrangement as "hopelessly one-sided" and suggesting that national interests were compromised under pressure from the Trump administration. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet issued an official response to the opposition's claims.

Details of the $18 million settlement

The civil suit filed by the SEC in late 2024 had accused Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani (Executive Director of Adani Green Energy), and other energy executives of misleading Wall Street investors. The regulator claimed the executives concealed a massive bribery scheme aimed at securing lucrative solar energy contracts from Indian state utilities while simultaneously raising $750 million through international bond offerings.

Under the terms of the newly filed settlement, Gautam Adani will pay a civil penalty of $6 million (₹57.45 crore), while Sagar Adani will pay $12 million (₹114.9 crore). Legal representatives for the Adanis, led by high-profile US attorney Robert J. Giuffra Jr. of Sullivan & Cromwell, had previously argued that US authorities lacked the necessary jurisdiction over the matter since the underlying operations were centered entirely within India.

Code names and funding blocks

The original 2024 chargesheet filed in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, had gripped global headlines by alleging that conspirators used secret code names like 'Numero Uno' and 'The Big Man' to refer to Gautam Adani during internal communications.

Federal prosecutors had alleged that the group raised more than $3 billion in loans and bonds from international lenders by actively concealing the promised bribes. Throughout the 18-month legal battle, the Adani Group consistently maintained its innocence, dismissing all allegations of corruption and transparency violations as completely baseless.

Reopening international capital markets

The anticipated closure of both the civil SEC suit and the parallel criminal case is expected to reset the Adani Group’s global trajectory. Corporate finance experts indicate that pulling down these legal barriers will immediately reopen access to international capital markets and foreign funding avenues, which had frozen up after the US indictments.

With the legal dark clouds dissipating, the group is expected to aggressively resume its multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and digital expansion plans, including its core renewable energy footprint.

Chhattisgarh House Passes Women’s Reservation Resolution After 10-Hour Debate 

Opposition stages walkout, calling the government resolution on 33% women’s reservation a diversionary tactic; CM Sai terms the boycott “beyond understanding.”

A marathon debate lasting over ten hours in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly concluded late on Wednesday with the passage of a government resolution backing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but not before the opposition staged a complete walkout.

The ruling dispensation’s move, seen largely as a political statement rather than a binding legal step, sharply divided the House. Even as the debate stretched through most of the day, the temperature inside the chamber kept rising. At one point, the verbal exchanges between treasury and opposition benches turned so sharp that Speaker Dr. Raman Singh had to intervene repeatedly.

Opposition Walks Out

The Congress legislature party decided to boycott the proceedings just before the resolution was formally put to vote. They accused the BJP government of raising a “false narrative” to divert attention from real issues.

“They talked about bringing a censure motion outside the House. Now, they are suddenly discussing a government resolution,” a senior opposition leader said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Congress members insisted that any serious discussion on women’s reservation must be linked to a fresh census and delimitation exercise first. Their argument: without these, the quota is a non-starter.

Sharp Exchange Over Intent

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while replying to the debate, appeared visibly irked by the opposition’s stance. He said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had already been passed by the central government, and that opposing it on delimitation grounds made little sense.

“Parisiman (delimitation) expands representational areas. More people get a voice. The opposition’s resistance is beyond comprehension,” Sai said.

He even cited his own experience as a four-time MP from Raigadh. “The constituency there sprawls over nearly 350 kilometres. One representative cannot reach everywhere. Delimitation would have broken this up, eased access for people.” He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were willing to give credit for the law to the opposition if they wanted it, but that Congress chose “opposition for opposition’s sake.”

Minister’s Sharp Retort

Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade did not hold back either. She claimed that the Congress has historically opposed quotas for women. “The party is simply uncomfortable with the idea. Every time a bill comes up, they find new excuses. We are determined to complete the process and implement this at the earliest,” Rajwade said.

‘Patriarchal Mindset’ Accusation

Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant, speaking before the walkout, launched a scathing counterattack. He argued the BJP’s “manuwadi and patriarchal thinking” does not want women to get equal rights.

“If 33 per cent reservation is implemented on 850 seats, women would get roughly 280 seats. Men would still have 570. That would have been a blow to the patriarchal mindset, and that is exactly why they are not implementing it,” Mahant alleged.

Congress MLA Anila Bhediya was even more direct, calling the entire exercise an “election jhunjhuna” (rattle). “The women of this country know the bill was passed in 2023 but never implemented. They are not naïve,” she said.

Deputy Chief Minister, who was seated next to Sai, took a jibe at the Congress’s old poll promise of ₹500, asking, “What right do they have to speak about women’s rights today?”

Over 500 Women Representatives Attended

The day saw a notable presence of over 500 women public representatives from across the state, attending the session as special invitees. Their presence added a visible, ground-level weight to the proceedings, though it did little to bridge the political divide.

What Next?

Following the passage of the resolution, Speaker Raman Singh adjourned the House sine die. He indicated that the next monsoon session is tentatively scheduled for the second week of July. With the government claiming a moral victory and the opposition vowing to continue its protest, the political confrontation over the issue is far from settled.

Delimitation Is the Real Threat, Not Women's Quota: Sonia Gandhi

Congress Parliamentary Party chief questions timing of special Parliament session as debate over Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam amendments heats up ahead of April 16 sitting

Gandhi Targets Special Session

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday asserted that the core issue behind the government's decision to convene a special sitting of Parliament this week is delimitation — not women's reservation — and described the reported delimitation proposal as posing an existential threat to the Constitution itself.

Writing in an opinion article published in The Hindu, Gandhi accused the Modi government of using the Women's Reservation Bill as political cover while pushing through a far more consequential exercise in redrawn parliamentary boundaries.

Political Timing Under Fire

Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking support from opposition parties for bills the government intends to force through Parliament at a time when election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are at their peak, with the only plausible explanation being an attempt to derive political advantage and put the opposition on the back foot.

She also criticised the government for declining repeated requests from opposition parties to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of Assembly elections on April 29, before taking up the constitutional amendments.

On the Reservation Timeline

Gandhi noted that Parliament had unanimously passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023, introducing Article 334-A, which mandated one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, subject to the completion of the next census and a delimitation exercise. She pointed out that the opposition had never asked for this condition — in fact, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded women's reservation be implemented from the 2024 general elections itself, a demand the government rejected.

Now, according to Gandhi, Article 334-A is set to be amended so that the reservation comes into effect from 2029 — and she questioned why the Prime Minister had taken over 30 months to reverse his own position on the matter.

The Delimitation Warning

Gandhi clarified that the opposition's objection is not to 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures — that debate has been settled — but to the delimitation process being rushed through ahead of the 2027 census.

She stressed that any increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha through delimitation must be politically equitable, not merely arithmetical, warning that a proportionate increase could magnify existing regional imbalances and reduce the relative influence of some states.

According to available but unofficial information, the Lok Sabha could expand from 543 to 816 seats following the amendment, with a separate Delimitation Bill to be introduced alongside the constitutional amendment.

Census Delay Argument Rejected

Gandhi took aim at the government's stated justification for acting before the census, pointing out that Bihar and Telangana each conducted comprehensive caste surveys within six months, undermining arguments that such exercises require prolonged lead time. She also noted that senior government officials have publicly stated that most population enumeration data from Census 2027 will be available in 2027 itself — making the special session's urgency appear hollow.

Caste Census Concern

Gandhi further alleged that PM Modi's actual intent is to delay and derail the caste census, pointing to the government's record of filing affidavits in the Supreme Court rejecting caste enumeration, before reversing course approximately a year ago when the 2027 census was announced as a caste census. She argued the sudden change in position lacked credibility.

Opposition's Demand and BJP's Whip

Gandhi said the monsoon session of Parliament is set to begin in mid-July and argued there is ample time for the government to hold proper consultations and introduce the amendment bills then, rather than rushing them through a three-day special sitting.

Meanwhile, the BJP issued a three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, directing them to be present in Parliament from April 16 to 18 without exception. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote separately to the Prime Minister, stating that convening Parliament during active state elections reflects an intent to weaponise legislation for electoral benefit.

What Comes Next

Both bills — the constitutional amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and a separate Delimitation Bill — require passage as constitutional amendments. The plan to proceed using 2011 census data, rather than the upcoming 2027 figures, has become a central flashpoint in the political standoff. With Parliament set to convene on April 16, the government will need to demonstrate it has secured the two-thirds majority required to pass constitutional ame

In a rare and dramatic escalation in Parliament, 118 Opposition MPs have submitted a no-confidence notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The move comes after days of heated exchanges during the Budget Session, with the Opposition accusing the Speaker of partisan conduct.

The notice was submitted on February 10, just a day after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly complained that Birla had gone back on a promise to let him speak on key issues. At the time, BJP MP Sandhya Rai was presiding, and Gandhi was not allowed to continue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju denied any such assurance existed.

What Triggered the Om Birla No Confidence Motion?  

The flashpoint occurred when Rahul Gandhi told the House that the Speaker had personally assured him speaking time before the Budget. When denied, the House was adjourned. On February 10, Om Birla was notably absent from the chair.

The Opposition lists four main charges in the notice:  

- Rahul Gandhi was stopped from completing his speech during the President’s Address debate.  

- Eight Opposition MPs were suspended for the entire Budget Session.  

- No action was taken against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for controversial remarks about former Prime Ministers.  

- Birla made serious allegations that Congress MPs might attack Prime Minister Modi, leading him to ask the PM not to enter the House.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Speaker’s role has become “no longer impartial,” leaving them with no choice but to act.

Om Birla Recuses Himself from the Chair  

In a significant development, Speaker Om Birla has decided not to preside over Lok Sabha proceedings until the no-confidence motion is resolved. Sources say he is staying away on moral grounds, even though rules do not require it. The Lok Sabha Secretariat is now examining the notice, which carries more than the required 50 signatures.

The Process to Remove the Lok Sabha Speaker  

Under Article 94 of the Constitution, removing the Speaker requires a resolution passed by a simple majority of members present and voting. The notice needs at least 50 MPs and must meet procedural checks. Once accepted, the House sets a date for debate—possibly as early as March 9.

Importantly, the Speaker does not preside during the discussion. The Speaker can attend, speak in his defence, and even vote. If the motion passes with more than half the votes, Birla would be removed immediately, and the House would elect a new Speaker.

Why Move the Motion Without the Numbers?  

The Opposition, even with full INDIA bloc support, has around 235 MPs—short of the 272 needed for a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Political experts call this a “message politics” strategy. It highlights alleged suppression of Opposition voices and tests the unity of the INDIA alliance.

TMC has not yet fully backed the notice. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said they want written demands first and will decide in two-three days. With TMC’s 29 MPs, the numbers still fall short.

Is the Speaker’s Chair Under Real Threat?  

Most analysts say no. The motion is unlikely to pass, but it keeps the spotlight on Parliament’s functioning and Opposition grievances. Similar moves were made against former Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in 2024—also unsuccessful but politically loud.

As the Budget Session continues, all eyes are on whether the motion reaches debate and how it affects House proceedings. For now, the absence of Om Birla from the Speaker’s chair marks an extraordinary moment in Indian parliamentary history.