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New Delhi: Anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal has granted 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’ corruption case.After Mahua Moitra’s name surfaced in the cash-for-query scam, the CBI, acting on Lokpal’s directions in November 2023, initiated a preliminary enquiry and submitted its findings to the watchdog.In March 2024, the CBI registered a case against Mahua Moitra, Darshan Hiranandani, and unknown others under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act (7, 8 and 12) and Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).The agency also carried out searches at premises linked to Mahua Moitra.Granting
its nod to the CBI to file the chargesheet, the Lokpal stated, “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 further clarified, “To make it amply clear, we will be considering the second prayer about allowing the investigating agency to initiate prosecution against RPS for concerned offences in terms of Section 20(8) of the Act of 2013 only after the chargesheet is filed in the competent court — so as to enable the court of competent jurisdiction to take cognizance of the offences allegedly committed by RPS, pursuant to the order passed by the Lokpal on the subject complaint in that regard.”In August, TMC leader and 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.Moitra’s counsel argued that as soon as the report was filed, the fact was made known to the media. She contended that the provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, along with related circulars, should be strictly complied with.The court disposed of the petition, stating: “I will make it clear that strict confidentiality should be maintained.”
