Overview
- The full bench met on November 12 and sanctioned the CBI under Section 20(7)(a) read with Section 23(1) to move a chargesheet in a competent court.
- The order directs the CBI to submit a copy of the chargesheet and supporting documents to the Lokpal for further consideration.
- The CBI had registered an FIR on March 21, 2024 against Moitra and Darshan Hiranandani under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC 120-B following a Lokpal reference.
- Allegations state Moitra accepted benefits from Hiranandani and shared her Lok Sabha login to facilitate questions, claims she denies as politically motivated; the Delhi High Court in August urged strict confidentiality around filings.
- Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December 2023 over ‘unethical conduct’ and has challenged the decision, even as the case now moves from inquiry to a formal prosecutorial step.