Adani bribery case: US court orders joint trial of criminal, civil cases
New York: A US court has combined three cases against industrialist Gautam Adani into a joint trial, citing similar allegations and transactions. The charges involve the payment of USD 265 million (approximately Rs 2,029 crore) in bribes to secure solar energy contracts with state electricity distribution companies.
The cases consolidated for the trial include US vs Adani and others (a criminal case), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) vs Adani and others (a civil case), and SEC vs Cabanes (a civil case involving other accused).
The decision, taken to ensure judicial efficiency and avoid scheduling conflicts, assigns all cases to District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, who is already overseeing the criminal case against Adani.
US prosecutors have alleged that the Adani Group concealed the bribery allegations from US banks and investors while raising funds for solar energy projects.
Refuting the accusations, the Adani Group described them as "baseless," asserting, "We are a law-abiding organisation, fully compliant with all laws." A company spokesperson emphasised that the indictment is based on charges, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Mayawati criticises 'hasty' passage of Waqf Bill, says BSP does not support it
Lucknow (PTI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday criticised the central government for "rushing" the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying that the legislation should have been introduced only after addressing people's concerns and clarifying doubts.
Her remarks came after the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill late Thursday night, a day after its approval in the Lok Sabha, where the opposition strongly opposed it.
"After listening to both the ruling party and the opposition in Parliament on the Waqf Amendment Bill, the conclusion is that if the central government had given the public more time to understand the Bill and addressed all their concerns before bringing it forward, it would have been better," Mayawati posted on X in Hindi.
The BSP leader further expressed disappointment over what she termed as the government's "haste" in passing the Bill.
"It is unfortunate that the government hurriedly introduced and passed this Bill, which is not appropriate. Now that it has been passed, if governments misuse it, then the BSP will stand firmly with the Muslim community. In other words, the party does not support this Bill," she added.
