Cash-for-query case: SC halts high court nod for CBI chargesheet on TMC MP Moitra

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed a key part of the Delhi High Court’s December 2025 order that had instructed the Lokpal to reconsider granting permission to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam .

The high court order had asked the Lokpal to examine the CBI’s request under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act and decide within one month whether to grant sanction to prosecute Moitra. Essentially, the High Court had set aside the Lokpal’s original approval , but directed it to review the matter afresh.

On Friday, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stayed paragraph 89 of the High Court judgment, the part that required the Lokpal to reconsider sanction. The Supreme Court issued notices to Moitra , the CBI , and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey , the complainant, seeking their responses.

The case stems from allegations that Moitra asked questions in the Lok Sabha in exchange for cash and gifts from a businessman. The Lokpal had originally sanctioned the CBI to file a chargesheet against her in November 2025 , which Moitra challenged in the High Court.

By staying the High Court’s direction, the Supreme Court has paused the process of the Lokpal reconsidering the sanction , meaning the CBI cannot yet move forward with filing a chargesheet against Moitra. The matter now awaits further scrutiny from the apex court.