Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Lokpal order granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to chargesheet her in the alleged cash-for-query case. .Moitra's plea is listed for hearing on Tuesday before a Division Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar. .In a November 12 full-bench decision, Lokpal invoked its powers under Section 20(7)(a) read with Section 23(1) of the Lokpal Act, allowing CBI to file a charge sheet within four weeks, and mandated that a copy be submitted to Lokpal. The case stems 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. Lokpal had earlier directed CBI to investigate “all aspects” under Section 20(3)(a) and submit a report within 6 months..In her plea, Moitra has argued that the Lokpal order is 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. "If the effect and operation of the Impugned Sanction Order is not stayed forthwith, the CBI will proceed to file the chargesheet, causing irreparable harm and prejudice to the Petitioner. This would render the present Writ Petition largely infructuous. Therefore, the present matter requires the urgent intervention of this Hon’ble Court," she has contended. .Moitra filed the petition through advocate Samudra Sarangi. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
