SC Stays Delhi HC Order on Sanction to CBI to File Chargesheet Against Mahua Moitra

PTI, March 13, 2026, New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed part of a December 2025 order of the Delhi High Court that had allowed the Lokpal to consider granting sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to Moitra, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and BJP MP and complainant Nishikant Dubey on the Lokpal's plea challenging the high court order.

On December 19, 2025, the Delhi High Court had set aside an order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Moitra. The high court had directed the Lokpal to consider granting sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act within one month, as per para 89 of the judgement.

The CJI-led bench stayed para 89 of the high court judgement while issuing notices on a batch of pleas related to powers and procedures under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act.

The cash-for-query case relates to allegations that Moitra asked questions in the Lok Sabha in exchange for cash and gifts from a businessman. The high court verdict had come on a plea by Moitra challenging the November 12, 2025, order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file the chargesheet. The Lokpal then moved the Supreme Court after the high court set aside its order.