New Delhi: The Lokpal on Monday urged the Delhi High Court to grant it additional time to reconsider, as per law, the issue of granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam.
A Bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Renu Bhatnagar directed that the Lokpal’s application seeking a two-month extension be listed on January 23 before the bench that had passed the earlier order. The Lokpal’s counsel submitted that the request was aimed at extending the time frame to examine the sanction issue in accordance with legal provisions.
Observing that the plea effectively sought a modification of the earlier order, the court said, “It amounts to modification. List before the appropriate bench.”
Earlier, on December 19, 2025, the Delhi High Court had set aside the Lokpal’s November 12 order granting sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Moitra. The court had directed the Lokpal to reconsider the issue of sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act strictly in accordance with law within one month.
That order was passed by a Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, which held that there was a “clear departure” from the procedure mandated under the Act. The court observed that the Lokpal had erred in its understanding and interpretation of the statutory provisions.
The alleged cash-for-query scam relates to accusations that Moitra raised questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Moitra had challenged the Lokpal’s November 2025 order before the high court.
The CBI had submitted its report to the Lokpal in July 2025 after registering an FIR on March 21, 2024, against Moitra and Hiranandani under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, following a reference from the Lokpal. The agency alleged that Moitra indulged in corrupt practices, including accepting undue benefits and sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials, allegedly compromising parliamentary privileges and posing national security concerns.
