Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Delhi HC Extends Lokpal Deadline in Mahua Moitra Case
The Delhi High Court has given the Lokpal two more months to decide whether to allow the CBI to file charges against Mahua Moitra, a TMC MP.
The court said this is the last extension allowed.
The case is about allegations that Moitra took money and gifts from a businessman in exchange for asking questions in Parliament.
The court had earlier said the Lokpal made mistakes in its initial decision.
The CBI had filed a case against Moitra and the businessman, saying she shared her Parliament login details, which could be a security risk.
The court wants the Lokpal to follow the rules carefully in making its decision.
Delhi High Court extends Lokpal's deadline by two months to consider sanction for CBI chargesheet against Mahua Moitra.
No further extensions will be granted by the court.
Moitra is accused of taking bribes and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions in Parliament.
Court had earlier found Lokpal's initial decision to grant sanction was flawed and not in accordance with the Lokpal Act.
CBI registered an FIR against Moitra and Hiranandani on March 21, 2024, under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Who
- Mahua Moitra (TMC MP) and Darshan Hiranandani (businessman)
- What
- Delhi High Court extends Lokpal's time to consider sanction for CBI chargesheet
- When
- Extension granted on an unspecified date in 2026; initial deadline was December 19, 2025
- Where
- Delhi High Court
- Why
- To ensure Lokpal considers the issue of sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act, strictly in accordance with provisions
Mahua Moitra's Defense
Prosecution/CBI
Sanction Process
Mahua Moitra's Defense
Moitra's lawyers did not oppose the Lokpal's request for an extension, indicating a willingness to follow due process.
Prosecution/CBI
The CBI maintains that the sanction process must be completed to proceed with the chargesheet against Moitra.
- Person Involved
- Mahua Moitra (TMC MP)
- Allegation
- Cash-for-query scam
- Businessman Involved
- Darshan Hiranandani
- Court's Decision
- Extended Lokpal's time by two months
- Lokpal's Task
- Consider sanction for CBI chargesheet
- Initial Deadline
- One month (set on December 19, 2025)
- CBI's Action
- FIR registered on March 21, 2024
- Act Violated
- Prevention of Corruption Act
Sources
Delhi HC gives Lokpal two months more in Mahua Moitra cash-for-query case, bars further extension
‘Cash-for-query’ row: Lokpal gets 2 more months to decide on CBI sanction against Mahua Moitra
Chinese Visa case: HC judges recuses self from hearing Karti’s plea
