Delhi High Court Petition Filed by Mahua Moitra in Response to Cash-For-Query Media Reports
India's Lokpal Reviews CBI Report in Cash-for-Query Case
The Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman in India, is currently reviewing a comprehensive report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the cash-for-query case involving Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
The investigation phase of the case, which stems from allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, was completed in late July 2025, and the CBI report has been submitted to the Lokpal.
The case began when Dubey accused Moitra of soliciting cash and gifts from Hiranandani in exchange for raising parliamentary questions targeting industrialist Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CBI registered an FIR in March 2024 under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following the Lokpal's direction, and conducted a detailed probe involving various businessmen, including Hiranandani.
The Lokpal, in its earlier order, had emphasized the importance of public representatives upholding the highest standards of integrity and considered the allegations against Moitra grave with substantial evidence. The Lokpal directed the CBI to investigate all facets of the allegations within six months.
Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 for "unethical conduct," a decision she has challenged in the Supreme Court. She regained her seat in the 2024 general elections.
In response to Moitra's plea alleging breach of secrecy, the Delhi High Court directed the Lokpal and the CBI to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the ongoing case proceedings and to prevent media leaks.
Advocate Samudra Sarangi, representing Moitra, clarified that the plea did not seek the removal of any media content but stressed the need to adhere to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, and relevant circulars.
The Lokpal's next step depends on its evaluation of the CBI report. Mahua Moitra continues to deny all allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. The Lokpal's earlier order highlighted the negative impact of corruption on various institutions, making vigilance and accountability crucial.
The current status of the case is that the Lokpal is examining the findings of the CBI's report to decide the further course of action, which may include filing a chargesheet based on the findings. The contents of the CBI's report are currently undisclosed. The Lokpal's direction to the CBI for a more detailed investigation was made with the aim of ensuring vigilance and accountability.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Trump's enforcement actions in Washington D.C.: Insights from the political arena
- Chinese Ambassador issues stern message to India regarding Trump's tariffs in midst of escalating trade feuds
- Unveiling the potential template for authoritarian leaders in Togo's controversial constitutional switchover.
