The Lokpal has given a go-ahead to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the alleged cash-for-query case. The Lokpal has directed
the probe agency to file the chargesheet within four weeks.
The anti-graft body’s decision came after it held its full bench meeting on November 12 and gave a green signal to submit the chargesheet to the concerned court. It also asked the CBI to submit a copy of the chargesheet to it.
“Accordingly, in exercise of powers under Section 20(7)(a) read with Section 23(1) of the Act of 2013, we accord sanction to the Investigating Agency (CBI) to file a chargesheet before the court of competent jurisdiction against the named RPS and others (DHN), within four weeks from today, and submit a copy of the same along with the documents filed therewith in the Registry of the Lokpal, for being considered further,” the Lokpal said in its order as quoted by news reports.
What’s The Case?
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in 2023 complained to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla that the TMC MP took gifts, cash from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising specific questions in Parliament against certain industrial groups. The allegations were based on evidence shared by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, whom Mahua Moitra called her ‘jilted ex’.
The controversy led to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 and subsequent CBI investigation, which now has Lokpal’s sanction to file a chargesheet. She, however retained the Krishnanagar seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating her rival Amrita Roy of the BJP.
The agency had registered an FIR on March 21, 2024 against her and Hiranandani under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on a reference from the Lokpal. During the end of July, the CBI had submitted its report to the Lokpal in connection with the case.
In August 2025, TMC MP Mahua Moitra had moved the Delhi High Court alleging a media leak regarding the CBI’s report filed before the Lokpal in the alleged cash-for-query scam.
The court observed that strict confidentiality should be maintained by all concerned parties.
