Cash-for-query case: Supreme Court stays Delhi HC order on sanction for CBI to try Mahua Moitra

The Supreme Court of India on Friday (March 13, 2026) stayed a part of the December 2025 order of the Delhi High Court permitting the Lokpal to consider granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a charge sheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to Ms. Moitra, the CBI and BJP MP and complainant Nishikant Dubey on the Lokpal’s plea against the High Court order.

On December 19, 2025, the High Court had set aside an order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file a charge sheet against Ms. Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam.

“The learned Lokpal is requested to accord its consideration for grant of sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act, strictly in accordance with provisions thereof as construed hereinabove, within a period of one month from today,” the High Court had said in para 89 of that judgment.

The CJI-led Bench stayed the para 89 of the High Court judgment while issuing notices on a batch of pleas related to power and procedures enumerated under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act.

The cash-for-query case pertains to the allegation that Ms. 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 Ms. Moitra challenging the November 12, 2025, order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file the charge sheet against her. The Lokpal then moved the Supreme Court after the high court set aside its order.