Delhi High Court Grants Lokpal Two More Months to Decide on CBI Action Against Mahua Moitra

New Delhi | January 23, 2026 The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the Lokpal two additional months to take a fresh decision on whether the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can file a charge sheet against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query case. The extension was granted after both the CBI and Moitra raised no objection to the request. A bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar passed the order, noting the consent of all parties involved. “Counsel for the non applicants have no objection. The period of disposal is extended by two months,” the court said. The Lokpal had sought more time citing delays caused by the winter court holidays. Earlier, on December 19, the High Court had set aside the Lokpal’s November 12 order that granted sanction to the CBI, observing that the procedure followed was not in line with the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The court had then directed the anti-corruption body to reconsider the matter afresh and take a decision within one month, strictly in accordance with the law. The case relates to allegations that Moitra shared access to her official MP login credentials with Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani, who allegedly posted questions on the Lok Sabha portal on her behalf in return for costly gifts. While Hiranandani has supported the claims, Moitra has denied receiving any gifts and has argued that sharing passwords with staff was a common practice among lawmakers. The controversy first surfaced in October 2023 after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, based on a complaint by lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. Dubey later approached the Lokpal, following which the body, in March last year, ordered the CBI to register an FIR, stating there was “sufficient prima facie evidence on record that deserved deeper scrutiny.” Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 on the recommendation of the ethics committee, returned to Parliament after winning the 2024 general elections from Krishnanagar, defeating BJP candidate Amrita Delhi HC Gives Lokpal Extra Time in Mahua Moitra Cash-for-Query Case The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the Lokpal two more months to decide whether the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can file a charge sheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-query case. The court agreed to the extension after lawyers representing both the CBI and Moitra said they had no objection. A bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar passed the order, recording, “Counsel for the non applicants have no objection. The period of disposal is extended by two months.” The Lokpal had sought additional time, stating that the winter court holidays had delayed the process. Earlier, on December 19, the High Court had cancelled the Lokpal’s November 12 decision granting sanction to the CBI, saying the process followed did not match the provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The court had asked the Lokpal to review the matter again and take a fresh decision as per law. The case involves allegations that Moitra allowed Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani to use her MP login to post questions in Parliament in return for expensive gifts. While Hiranandani has supported the claims, Moitra has denied receiving any gifts and said sharing passwords was a common practice. She was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 but returned after winning the 2024 general elections from Krishnanagar.