TMC MP Mahua Moitra. File. , Photo credit: ANI
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (Nov 18, 2025) issued a report on November 21 hearing Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s plea challenging the grant of Lokpal sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to file charges against her in the alleged poll money scam.
In her plea, Ms. Moitra is seeking quashing of the November 12 Indian Lokpal order, saying it was erroneous, against the provisions of the Lokpal Act and in gross violation of the principles of natural justice.
The plea contended that the arguments and submissions were invited from her and then completely ignored before passing the sanction order under the Lokpal Act on the ground that they were premature and would be considered at a subsequent stage.
“The Lokal not only has the power to file a final report directly under Section 20(7)(a) of the Lokpal Act, but it has a duty to fairly consider the defense of the RPS (Respondent Public Servant) at that stage itself so that a fair and reasoned decision is taken as to whether the case calls for filing a charge sheet or a final report,” the Lok Sabha MP said in her petition.
Ms. Moitra also sought a stay on the sanction order.
It also sought to restrain the CBI from taking any steps in support of the sanction order, including but not limited to filing any charge sheet during the pending proceedings.
The CBI submitted its report to the Lokpal in July in connection with the alleged inquiry money fraud case involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
The agency registered an FIR on 21 March 2024 against the two under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on a recommendation from the Lokpal.
Published – 18 Nov 2025 20:43 IST
