Chris Man Says US Judge’s Order In Gautam Adani Case Is Only A Procedural Step

A New York federal judge has asked the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to provide a more detailed explanation for its request to dismiss criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.

Senior US lawyer Chris Man said the judge’s order is procedural and should not be viewed as a sign that the prosecution will continue.

According to Man, Rule 48(a) requires the DoJ to obtain court approval before withdrawing an indictment.

Judges may seek additional information or legal submissions before making a decision, making such requests a routine part of the judicial process.

Chris Man added that federal courts have very limited authority to compel prosecutors to pursue a criminal case after the executive branch decides to abandon it.

Judge Nicholas Garaufis directed prosecutors to explain why they no longer wish to pursue charges relating to alleged securities fraud and wire fraud.

The DoJ has until 13 July to submit its detailed response.

Chris Man believes the Department is likely to meet the deadline and expects the court to dismiss the case within weeks, potentially without holding a hearing.

Adani’s legal team argued that the alleged transactions occurred outside the United States and that English law governed them, placing them beyond the scope of US securities legislation.

The defence also submitted expert opinions challenging the bribery allegations and maintained that no investor suffered financial losses.

According to the defence, the DoJ reviewed nearly 500 pages of legal submissions, expert reports and evidence before deciding to seek dismissal.

Legal experts noted that while judges may examine the government’s reasoning, established legal precedent gives the executive branch broad authority to discontinue criminal prosecutions.

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