Overview
The Delhi High Court on Friday, January 23, 2026, extended the deadline by two months for the Lokpal to reconsider granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam. This extension comes after the High Court had previously set aside an earlier order from the Lokpal.
Key Developments
High Court Order
A Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar stated that no further extensions would be granted. Both the TMC leader's lawyers and the CBI did not oppose the Lokpal's request for additional time.
The court order specified, "The period of disposal is extended by two months while observing that no further request for extension of time will be entertained."
Background of the Case
- On December 19, 2025, the High Court overturned a November 2025 order by the Lokpal that had sanctioned the CBI to file a chargesheet against Moitra.
- The High Court directed the Lokpal to reconsider the sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act, ensuring strict adherence to the Act's provisions, within one month.
- The court found a "clear departure" from the mandated procedure under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, noting errors in the Lokpal's understanding and interpretation of the Act's provisions.
Cash-for-Query Allegations
The cash-for-query scam involves allegations that Moitra accepted cash and gifts from a businessman in exchange for asking specific questions in the Lok Sabha.
Ms. Moitra is a two-term TMC MP representing Krishnanagar in West Bengal.
CBI Investigation
- The CBI submitted its report to the Lokpal in July 2025 regarding the alleged scam involving Ms. Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
- An FIR was registered on March 21, 2024, against both individuals under the Prevention of Corruption Act, based on a reference from the Lokpal.
- The allegations include corrupt practices such as accepting bribes and undue advantages from Mr. Hiranandani for compromising parliamentary privileges and causing national security threats by sharing Lok Sabha login credentials.
UPSC Relevance
This case is relevant to GS2 (Parliament and State Legislatures, Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary, Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies) and GS4 (Ethics and Human Interface). It highlights issues related to corruption, ethics in public service, and the functioning of oversight bodies like the Lokpal.
Key Terms
- Lokpal: India's anti-corruption ombudsman, responsible for investigating allegations of corruption against public officials.
- CBI: The Central Bureau of Investigation, India's premier investigating agency.
- FIR: First Information Report, a formal complaint lodged with the police.
- Prevention of Corruption Act: Legislation aimed at combating corruption in India.