Overview
The Bombay High Court on 27 March 2026 rejected a petition that demanded a CBI probe into alleged bribe payments by Adani Green Energy Ltd.. The petitioner, social activist Jitendra Maru, alleged that the company paid over ₹2,000 crore to officials of various state power distribution companies to secure solar power purchase agreements.
Key Developments
- The division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam termed the writ an "abuse of the process of the Court".
- Maru’s reliance on documents from a pending case in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York was deemed insufficient.
- The bench highlighted the petitioner’s failure to approach the court earlier despite the alleged misconduct spanning a decade.
- All counsel for the petitioner, the CBI, the Union Government, the State, and RIL were present, indicating the high‑profile nature of the case.
Important Facts
According to the petition, the Solar Energy Corporation of India was tasked with expanding renewable energy, leading state governments to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private firms. Maru claimed that in 2020, Adani Green Energy colluded with Azure Global Ltd. to secure these PPAs through unlawful means, creating a multi‑million‑dollar pension fund to disguise bribes to officials of DISCOMs in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Andhra Pradesh.
The petitioner cited a November 24, 2024 U.S. jury‑trial order, a Department of Justice indictment, and a parallel SEC civil enforcement complaint as evidence of illicit incentives. However, the judges noted the absence of any ongoing U.S. proceedings that could substantiate the claims.
UPSC Relevance
This judgment illustrates several themes pertinent to the UPSC syllabus:
- Judicial Review and Writ Jurisdiction – The case demonstrates how Indian courts scrutinise the propriety of petitions and enforce the principle of clean hands.
- Corporate Governance and Corruption – Allegations of large‑scale bribery in the renewable energy sector highlight challenges in ensuring transparency in public‑private partnerships.
- International Legal Interplay – Reliance on foreign court documents underscores the growing importance of cross‑border legal cooperation in economic crimes.
- Energy Policy Implementation – The role of SECI and state DISCOMs in rolling out solar PPAs is a case study in policy execution and associated risks.
Way Forward
While the petition was dismissed, the underlying concerns about corporate‑state collusion in the renewable sector remain. For policymakers, strengthening audit mechanisms for large‑scale energy contracts, enhancing whistle‑blower protection, and fostering greater coordination between Indian investigative agencies and foreign courts can mitigate similar risks. Aspirants should monitor subsequent developments, especially any CBI or parliamentary inquiries that may arise.