Will Adani Be Indicted or Convicted in the Modi-Shah Era: Debunking the Myths

In the ongoing discussion surrounding the Indian corporate magnate Gautam Adani, many skepticism and speculations have swirled around the possibility of his being indicted or convicted during the Modi-Shah era. This skepticism is rooted in several factors including the unique nature of the Indian legal system, the political context, and the challenges in proving economic offenses.

Understanding the Indian Legal System

One of the primary reasons why the notion of Adani being indicted or convicted appears highly improbable is the distinctiveness of the Indian legal framework. Unlike the adversarial system prevalent in the United States, where grand juries decide whether to indict defendants, India lacks such processes. Instead, the prosecution brings charges, and the cases proceed to trials without the formal assessment of guilt by a jury.

Challenges in Securing Convictions

Securing a conviction in India for economic offenses is inherently challenging. The average timeframe for such cases, as reported by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), spans a staggering 10 to 14 years. This drawn-out process implies that any charge filed against Adani would likely culminate in conviction while both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are well beyond their prime years.

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah's Age Factor

Narendra Modi, who was first elected in 2014 and won again in 2019, has indicated that he would likely step down from politics in 2029. By that time, at the ripe age of 89, he may be either in poor health or significantly less capable of handling political affairs. Amit Shah, who has been a significant figure in the BJP since 2000, is also approaching the twilight of his political career. As he has gained considerable weight and suffers from heart disease, it's highly unlikely that he will be in a condition to effectively pursue any legal action against Adani.

The legal barriers and political realities make the scenario of Adani being sentenced highly unlikely. Prominent political figures have suggested that Adani and Ambani used black money to support Congress, yet no FIR has been filed despite this claim. This lack of substantive legal action underscores the complexity of the Indian legal system and the reluctance to enforce stringent penalties against powerful corporate entities.

Taking Action: A Call to Conduct Investigations

While there is currently no concrete proof of wrongdoing from Adani, the opposition party-managed states have already been found guilty of corruption. Democratic governance demands that Mr. Modi and his administration take immediate and decisive action to address these issues. Those in power must not remain silent or passive in the face of proven corruption; instead, they should act to uphold the integrity of the legal and political systems.

Immediate Steps and Larger Implications

Immediate steps include filing an FIR and investigating Adani as per the available evidence. This move would not only set a precedent for upholding the rule of law but also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and justice. The broader implications of inaction could lead to decreased public support for the ruling party and undermine trust in the legal mechanisms that should protect the common good.

Taking a Stand: Legal and Political Integrity

Adani presents a unique opportunity to prove the integrity of the opposition parties. By investigating and potentially convicting Adani, Mr. Modi can show that no one is above the law. This action would bolster public trust in the legal system and reaffirm the administration's commitment to upholding democratic values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the current legal and political landscape makes the indictment and conviction of Adani highly improbable, the failure to take action now could have severe long-term implications. The time for decisive action is now, before it's too late. The public expects transparency and accountability, and the government must rise to meet these demands.