New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday set aside a Lokpal order 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 directed the Lokpal to reconsider the sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act within one month, stating, “The order is set aside. We have requested the Lokpal to accord consideration for grant of sanction… in accordance with the relevant provisions within one month.”

The case centres on allegations that Moitra sought questions to be asked in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Moitra’s counsel argued that the Lokpal had followed an improper procedure, citing Section 20(7) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, which requires that public servants’ comments be obtained before granting sanction.

The plea opposed the CBI’s contention that Moitra has no right to submit documents during the Lokpal proceedings and is only entitled to provide comments, without an oral hearing. Moitra has also sought to restrain the CBI from taking any steps, including filing a chargesheet, until the matter is resolved.

Background of the case

The CBI had registered an FIR on March 21, 2024, against Moitra and Hiranandani under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following a reference from the Lokpal. The agency submitted its report in July. Allegations include accepting bribes and other undue advantages in exchange for compromising parliamentary privileges and sharing Lok Sabha login credentials, which the CBI claimed posed potential national security risks.