Gautam Adani, nephew, not named in corruption, obstruction of justice counts in US indictment, says lawyer Mukul Rohatgi

Lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Adani Group in several other cases, today (November 27) told reporters that two vital counts (similar to charges under the IPC) in the United States indictment papers, do not name Gautam Adani or his nephew Sagar Adani.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have alleged that Adani Group companies and officials were involved in a bribery case. The US has filed an indictment naming Gautam Adani (Founder-Chairman, Adani Group), Sagar Adani (Executive Director, Adani Green Energy), Vneet Jaain (CEO & MD, Adani Green Energy) and other officials.

Former Attorney-General for India and senior lawyer, Rohatgi said that count one, relating to the conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and count five, relating to obstruction of justice, does not mention Adanis. He added that both these counts are “more important”.

Rohatgi also clarified that these were his personal, non-vetted, legal views, and he is not a spokesperson for the Adani Group. He said the company would seek their own legal consultation in the US.

Adani Group refutes US allegations

Meanwhile, in an exchange filing on November 27, the Adani Group refuted the bribery allegations made by the US DoJ and SEC against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain.

In response to the growing controversy over corruption allegations, Adani Green Energy (AGEL) issued a clarification stating that the charges against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain are “incorrect”.

The DoJ indictment, which has drawn significant media attention, does not include these three Adani officials in any corruption or bribery counts, AGEL said. It added, “Media reports stating that Mr. Gautam Adani, Mr. Sagar Adani, and Mr. Vneet Jaain have been charged with violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) are incorrect.”

The indictment, which includes five charges, does not mention any Adani executives in connection with conspiracy to violate the FCPA or obstruct justice, said the statement.

In a post on social media platform X, Adani's Group CFO Jugeshinder Robbie Singh wrote, “Truth is starting to emerge. To all who are patient and value integrity and honesty, thank you for your support. We are in an uphill battle with well-funded forces of blatant lies, unethical and irresponsible reporting. However, the truth will finally emerge.”