Delhi High Court Overturns Lokpal’s CBI Chargesheet Against MP Mahua Moitra

The Delhi High Court has nullified a key anti-corruption order. It set aside the Lokpal’s sanction for a CBI chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. The ruling came on Friday in a case tied to alleged cash-for-query dealings.

This decision marks a significant legal turn in the high-profile scandal. The bench directed the Lokpal to reconsider the sanction request properly within one month.

Court Cites Procedural Flaw in Lokpal’s Sanction Order

Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar delivered the verdict. They found clear infirmity in the Lokpal’s procedure. According to court details, the Lokpal did not follow mandatory steps before granting sanction to the CBI.

Moitra’s counsel successfully argued a violation of Section 20(7) of the Lokpal Act. This law requires obtaining comments from the accused public servant first. The court agreed this procedural step was missed.

Scandal Background and Ongoing Legal Battle

The case stems from allegations that Moitra traded parliamentary questions for favors. It is alleged she received cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani. A critical claim involved sharing her official Lok Sabha login credentials.

The CBI registered an FIR in March 2024 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency opposed Moitra’s plea in the High Court. They argued she had no right to produce documents before the Lokpal.

The ruling does not end the probe but resets a key stage. The Lokpal must now re-examine the sanction request with proper procedure. This introduces a fresh delay in the legal process.

The Delhi High Court’s intervention underscores the critical balance between investigation and due process. This legal setback for the CBI ensures the case surrounding Mahua Moitra will remain in the spotlight as procedures restart.

Info at your fingertips

What was the main reason the court overturned the Lokpal’s order?

The court found a procedural flaw. The Lokpal granted sanction for the CBI chargesheet without first obtaining Mahua Moitra’s comments, which is required by law.

What happens to the CBI investigation now?

The investigation itself is not closed. However, the CBI cannot file a formal chargesheet until the Lokpal reconsiders and potentially regrants the sanction using the correct legal procedure.

What were the core allegations against Mahua Moitra?

She was accused of a “cash-for-query” scheme. The CBI alleged she accepted bribes from a businessman to ask questions in Parliament and shared her official login, posing a security risk.

How did the CBI respond to Moitra’s plea in court?

The CBI opposed it. They argued that an accused public servant has no right to present documents during the Lokpal’s sanction stage, only to give comments.

What is the Lokpal’s next step?

The Delhi High Court has asked the Lokpal to reconsider the sanction request. It must follow the proper procedure, including obtaining Moitra’s comments, and make a new decision within one month.