New Delhi, Dec 19: The Delhi High Court on Friday quashed an order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam.
A bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that the Lokpal must reconsider the sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in accordance with relevant provisions within one month. “The order is set aside,” the court stated while pronouncing the verdict in Moitra’s plea.
The case revolves around allegations that Moitra received cash and gifts from a businessman in exchange for raising questions in Parliament. Moitra’s counsel contended that the Lokpal’s procedure was flawed, citing Section 20(7) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, which requires obtaining comments from public servants before granting sanction.
The CBI opposed the plea, arguing that Moitra has no right to submit documents in Lokpal proceedings and is only entitled to provide comments, not an oral hearing. Moitra has also sought to restrain the agency from taking any steps, including filing a chargesheet, during the pendency of her petition.
The CBI had registered an FIR on March 21, 2024, following a Lokpal reference, naming Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency alleged corrupt practices, including accepting bribes and compromising parliamentary privileges, as well as sharing Lok Sabha login credentials, potentially posing national security risks.
The Lokpal will now review the matter afresh before deciding the next course of action, officials said.