Supreme Court Halts Delhi High Court's Approval for CBI Charges Against TMC Leader Mahua Moitra

The Supreme Court has intervened to stay a Delhi High Court ruling that allowed the CBI to file charges against Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra. This decision comes amid allegations of a cash-for-questions scandal involving Moitra. The High Court had previously annulled a Lokpal order permitting the CBI to proceed with charges. The Supreme Court's bench issued notices to relevant parties, including Moitra and the CBI, as it reviews the case. This development raises significant questions about the legal proceedings surrounding the allegations against the TMC leader.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 15:26 IST

Supreme Court's Intervention

On Friday, the Supreme Court intervened to stay a ruling from the Delhi High Court that had permitted the Lokpal to authorize the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file charges against Mahua Moitra, a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, issued notices to Moitra, the CBI, and the complainant, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, in response to a petition filed by the Lokpal challenging the High Court's decision.

Background of the Case

The Delhi High Court had previously annulled a Lokpal order on December 19, 2025, which had allowed the CBI to file charges against Moitra in connection with an alleged cash-for-questions scandal. The High Court's ruling indicated that the Lokpal was requested to present its views within a month regarding the approval under Section 20 of the Lokpal Act.

Details of the Cash-for-Questions Allegation

The bench presided over by the Chief Justice issued notices concerning several petitions related to the powers and procedures outlined in Section 20 of the Lokpal Act, while also staying paragraph 89 of the High Court's ruling. The cash-for-questions case involves allegations that Moitra accepted cash and gifts from a businessman in exchange for posing questions in the Lok Sabha. The High Court's decision came in response to Moitra's petition challenging a Lokpal order from November 12, 2025, which had permitted the CBI to file charges against her. Following the High Court's annulment of its order, the Lokpal approached the Supreme Court.