Maintain secrecy, HC tells Lokpal, CBI in Mahua Moitra case probe

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Lokpal and the CBI to strictly maintain confidentiality in the ongoing Lokpal proceedings related to the cash-for-query case against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

The direction came on Moitra’s plea alleging a breach of secrecy despite rules mandating confidentiality in such proceedings. She claimed the CBI’s report to the Lokpal had been leaked to the media.

On Monday, Justice Sachin Datta stressed the legal obligation to preserve confidentiality and issued a categorical direction to ensure compliance.

The controversy stems from allegations that Moitra sought parliamentary questions and shared her official login credentials with industrialist Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts and favours. Acting on these claims, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommended her expulsion and she was removed from the House on December 8, 2023. Moitra returned to Parliament in the 2024 General Election.

Rejecting the allegations, Moitra maintained there was no quid pro quo and described the case as “politically motivated”. In March 2024, the Lokpal directed the CBI to register a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and conduct an investigation.