US judge's order on Adani case a 'normal procedure': Harish Salve

Senior Advocate Harish Salve termed a US judge's order seeking reasons from the DOJ to drop charges against Gautam Adani as a 'very normal procedure', explaining the US prosecuting agency has primary control over whether a case should continue.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve has described US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis' order seeking reasons from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) for its decision to drop charges against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and Adani Green Energy Ltd Executive Director Sagar Adani as a "very normal procedure," saying the American legal system gives the prosecuting agency primary control over whether a case should continue.

'DOJ is in Control'

Speaking with ANI in an exclusive Zoom interview from London, Salve said the DOJ, having initiated the prosecution, has now moved the court seeking dismissal of the case and is only required to explain the reasons for its decision. "This is a very normal procedure. The DOJ is the prosecuting agency. They brought the prosecution and have now applied for dismissal of the case. Since the matter is before the court, the court can ask for the reasons. That is exactly what has happened here," Salve said.

He explained that while the court is entitled to seek an explanation before passing an order, the US legal framework gives significant discretion to the Department of Justice in deciding whether to continue or discontinue a prosecution. "Unlike the Indian courts, which exercise much greater control over decisions to withdraw a prosecution, the American system is different. The DOJ is in control of the cases. They decide whether to prosecute or not prosecute," he said.

'Not an Extraordinary Development'

According to Salve, the court's request for additional reasons should not be viewed as an extraordinary development. "They will be asked for the reason, they will give the reason, and that will be the end of the matter," he said.

Judge's Directive to DOJ

Judge Nicholas Garaufis had recently directed the Department of Justice to provide reasons supporting its request to dismiss the charges against Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani before taking a decision on the application. The matter is now listed for further proceedings. (ANI)

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