US Court Summons, Yet Adani ‘Missing’ in India! Six Months of Silence Put Modi Government Under Spotlight

National news: In a press briefing, Bharadwaj revealed that a US District Court issued a summons to Gautam and Sagar Adani in September 2024. The summons related to alleged bribery and corruption charges. Despite being sent to both their Ahmedabad and US addresses, Bharadwaj claimed the Indian Ministry of Law and Justice has failed to serve it for nearly six months.
 
Bharadwaj stated the US Department of Justice linked Adani to a $256 million bribe plan—about ₹2200 crore—aimed at securing advantages from Indian government officials. The case involves US investors’ funds, making it subject to America’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Partial payments were allegedly made, with some amounts still pending when the scheme was uncovered.

US Law on Foreign Corruption

Explaining the American legal stance, Bharadwaj said any foreign company using US taxpayer money in projects must comply with strict anti-bribery laws. Violations, such as bribery for profit, are criminal offenses under the FCPA. Since Adani’s projects reportedly involved $175 million from US investors, the case fell squarely under this jurisdiction.

Modi Visits and Project Awards

Bharadwaj alleged a recurring pattern: after PM Modi’s foreign visits, Adani often secured massive contracts in those nations. In Kenya, a visit was followed by airport and power contracts worth over $2.5 billion. Similar deals reportedly emerged in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh soon after Modi’s trips.

Public Protests Against Deals

The AAP leader cited Kenya’s backlash as a case in point. Massive public protests forced the government there to cancel some Adani-linked contracts. He also referenced Sri Lankan parliamentary testimony alleging Indian government pressure in awarding a 442 crore project to Adani.

India’s Global Image at Stake

Bharadwaj accused the BJP government of damaging India’s global credibility by shielding Adani. He contrasted the US judiciary’s independence with India’s alleged reluctance to act against powerful businessmen. The refusal to serve the summons, he said, undermines the rule of law internationally.

Demand for Court Appearance

Bharadwaj challenged the BJP to explain why, when AAP leaders were urged to face investigative agencies, Adani is being “hidden” from a US court. He insisted Adani should appear before the court and answer the charges without delay.