On Friday 6 Dec 2024, the Supreme Court has struck out substantial parts of Indian mining giant Adani’s case against environmental activist Ben Pennings, describing some of the company’s claims as “confused and embarrassing”. This comes after the US Government issued an arrest warrant for Gautam Adani, alleging multi-billion dollar bribery and fraud.

Ben Pennings said:

"Billionaire coal giant Adani has failed spectacularly. Despite spending countless millions publicly persecuting me and my family, other citizens have continued to fight Adani’s international coal mining plans that put all our lives at risk.

Democracy, fairness and the right to peaceful protest has won. The legal precedent set by my victory makes it harder for any corporation to attack and silence Australians through aggressive legal action. 

In an ironic twist of fate, the US Government has an arrest warrant out for Gautam Adani, alleging multi-billion dollar bribery and fraud. Adani’s environmental approvals and status as a ‘suitable operator’ deserve fresh scrutiny in light of these most recent allegations.

Adani hired big burly men to follow my wife and kids around, twice tried to raid our house and dragged me through harrowing Supreme Court litigation for over four years. This was all legal. Labor and the Coalition are clearly more intent on pursuing peaceful climate protectors rather than the violent fossil fuel companies incinerating our future. I’m thankful the Greens have stood by me and hope they can convince Labor to outlaw SLAPP suits, a prevailing threat to our democracy. 

I’ve had 4 years to think about what I’ll do after winning this court case for all Australians. We are in a climate emergency, my kids are at risk, and I will never back away from bold collective action with long lasting impacts."