In a major legal development in the alleged cash-for-query controversy, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed a key part of the Delhi High Court’s December 2025 order that had allowed the Lokpal to reconsider granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to Mahua Moitra, the CBI, and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who is the complainant in the case. The notices were issued while hearing a plea filed by the Lokpal challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision that had earlier set aside its order granting sanction for prosecution.
The Supreme Court specifically stayed paragraph 89 of the Delhi High Court’s judgment dated December 19, 2025. That paragraph had directed the Lokpal to reconsider the matter of granting sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act and take a decision within one month. By staying this portion of the judgment, the apex court has effectively paused the reconsideration process until the case is examined further.
The High Court had earlier overturned a November 12, 2025 order of the Lokpal that granted approval to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Moitra in connection with the alleged cash-for-query scam. However, while setting aside the order, the High Court had also directed the Lokpal to examine the matter again and decide whether sanction should be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Lokpal Act.
Following the High Court ruling, the Lokpal approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the decision raised significant legal questions regarding its authority and the procedure for granting sanction to prosecute public officials under the Lokpal Act. The anti-corruption body sought clarity from the apex court on how Section 20 of the law should be interpreted and applied.
The case revolves around allegations that Mahua Moitra asked questions in the Lok Sabha in exchange for cash and gifts from a businessman. According to the complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, Moitra allegedly used her parliamentary position to raise queries that were linked to business interests. Moitra has consistently denied the allegations and described them as politically motivated.
The controversy has drawn significant political attention as it involves questions about the conduct of a sitting Member of Parliament and the possible misuse of parliamentary privileges. Legal experts believe the Supreme Court’s decision to intervene at this stage indicates that the court intends to closely examine the legal framework governing prosecution approvals under the Lokpal Act.
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With notices now issued to all parties involved, the Supreme Court will hear detailed arguments in the coming weeks. Until a final decision is reached, the process related to granting sanction for a CBI chargesheet against Mahua Moitra will remain on hold.
Summary – Key Highlights
The Supreme Court has stayed a key part of the Delhi High Court’s December 2025 order in the Mahua Moitra cash-for-query case. The bench led by CJI Surya Kant issued notices to Mahua Moitra, the CBI, and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The High Court had earlier set aside Lokpal’s sanction for a CBI chargesheet but asked the anti-corruption body to reconsider the issue. The Lokpal challenged that ruling in the Supreme Court. The case relates to allegations that Moitra asked parliamentary questions in exchange for cash and gifts.