Overview
- The Lokpal full bench approved the move on November 12 and directed the CBI to file in a competent court within four weeks while also submitting a copy to the watchdog.
- The step follows a CBI FIR dated March 21, 2024 that names Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani under Prevention of Corruption Act sections 7, 8 and 12, and IPC Section 120-B.
- Allegations include receiving bribes and favors to frame parliamentary questions and sharing Lok Sabha login credentials, claims Moitra has rejected as politically motivated.
- The Lokpal noted that any decision on prosecution sanction under Section 20(8) will be considered after the chargesheet is filed and the court takes cognizance.
- Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 and has challenged that decision in the Supreme Court, while the Delhi High Court stressed confidentiality in August after a claimed leak of the CBI report.