Adani is sure to get relief, veteran American lawyer claims – New York judge cannot reject DoJ’s move.

A major and important legal analysis has emerged in the alleged fraud case going on in the US against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. According to Chris Mann, a senior US lawyer familiar with federal criminal practice, it is merely a “procedural requirement” for a US federal judge to seek a full explanation from prosecutors before approving the dismissal of criminal charges against Adani. This is not at all an indication that the matter is going to move forward or that Adani’s troubles are going to increase.

Judges have limited powers, DoJ’s decision supreme
Lawyer Chris Mann cited Rule 48(a), which requires the Justice Department to seek formal court permission to dismiss any indictment. In such a situation, additional briefing or asking questions by Judge Nicholas Garoufis is very common in American law. He explained that there is no modern precedent in the American justice system where a federal court has forced the Justice Department to pursue a criminal case that the executive branch itself wants to close or dismiss. The conduct of criminal prosecution is constitutionally an executive function, which the courts always respect.

Adani’s lawyers put these ‘fatal weaknesses’ before the court
In its letter to the court dated June 24, 2026, Adani’s legal side has highlighted several fundamental and serious weaknesses of the US government in this case:

Outside US Jurisdiction: The entire transaction was between non-US entities and lenders. Its documents were drawn up and ratified outside the United States, and are governed by English law.

Commercial discounts, not bribes: Evidence from a former senior Indian regulatory official proved that what were being described as ‘illegal payments’ were actually legitimate and transparent price concessions given to Indian state power companies for solar power contracts, and not bribes.

No loss to investors: There is no allegation of loss of money or loss to investors in any of the four transactions included in the indictment.

The DoJ has conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the case, for which Adani’s side had submitted nearly 500 pages of facts and expert reports from Harvard Law School professors between February and April 2026. Legal experts believe that it will file its detailed reply before the July 13 deadline and the case will be completely dismissed within a few weeks without any lengthy hearing.