look news india
New York: After civil and criminal charges were filed in the US against seven Adani Group executives, including top Indian tycoon Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, for offering bribes to Indian officials for solar projects in India, New York’s A top lawyer said. The matter can go much further. After issuing arrest warrants against Gautam Adani and seven others, the US may also try to extradite them.
The US Justice Department had issued arrest warrants against India’s second richest businessman Gautam Adani and seven others, including his nephew Sagar Adani. Gautam Adani is currently in India. However, now the US court may try to extradite seven officials including Gautam Adani. Arrest warrant has been issued against all of them. Now America can try to extradite him.
However, Adani Group has termed the allegations made in the US court as baseless and said that Adani Group believes in following all laws. The US Justice Department has accused Gautam Adani, his nephew and seven others of bribing officials in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to buy expensive solar power. However, the names of the officers have not been disclosed. It is estimated that this project will bring a profit of more than $200 million to the Adani Group in 20 years.
Indian-American lawyer Ravi Batra said US Attorney Brian Peace has the authority to issue arrest warrants against Gautam Adani and seven others and execute them in the country where they live. According to American law, if there is an extradition treaty with the country concerned, then America can force that country to do so. This is a process, which the concerned country should follow according to its law.
Extradition treaty was signed between India and America in the year 1997. However, extradition occurs in the absence of extremely rare circumstances. This was seen in the case of former Chilean President Augusto Pinochet. Britain did not extradite him on humanitarian grounds. However, this precedent hardly appears to apply in the case of Gautam Adani and 7 others.
Additionally, the allegations against Gautam Adani can also be evaluated for political and human rights concerns. This is likely to delay the process. Gautam Adani has not yet responded to any of the allegations. He never appeared in any American court. If they are extradited or surrendered their lawyers can challenge the charges. Also, it does not seem that this case will start in the court soon. Legal processes, debates over evidence and separate cases for other accused linked to Adani could delay the process.
However, if Gautam Adani is found guilty for any reason, he could face five years in jail on bribery charges. Apart from this, there can be a punishment of up to 20 years on charges of fraud and conspiracy. Apart from this, there is also a possibility of heavy fine being imposed on them. However, determining any sentence ultimately depends on the judge handling the case.
Meanwhile, the White House has also given a statement on this incident. White House spokesperson Karen Jean-Pierre said, “We are aware of the allegations against Adani. He will have to go to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department to find out and understand the charges against him. However, as far as relations between India and America are concerned, I believe that the relations between the two countries are strong and I am confident that these relations will continue.