Delhi HC gives Lokpal two more months to decide on sanction to prosecute Mahua Moitra in cash-for-query

The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed Lokpal of India two more months to decide on grant of sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against TMC Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra in connection with the cash-for-query row.

A Division Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar underscored that no further time will be granted in the matter.

The High Court had on December 19, 2025 set aside the Lokpal order allowing the CBI to chargesheet Moitra. The Court had ruled that the Lokpal had erred in its ruling.

The Bench had asked the anti-corruption watchdog to reconsider the matter and pass a fresh order within a month.

However, the Lokpal then moved an application seeking more time to decide the issue.

The case stemmed from accusations by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey that Moitra accepted cash and luxury gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising parliamentary questions. 

A full bench of the Lokpal had invoked its powers under Section 20(7)(a) read with Section 23(1) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, allowing CBI to file a charge sheet and mandated that a copy be submitted to the Lokpal. 

In her plea before the High Court, Moitra argued that the Lokpal order was contrary to the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 and in violation of the principles of natural justice since the same was passed without considering her detailed written and oral submissions.

This plea was allowed by the High Court in December last year. The Court then asked Lokpal to decide the matter afresh.