Cash-for-Query Scam: Delhi HC Orders CBI Report Against Mahua Moitra to Remain Confidential

The Delhi High Court on Monday, 11 August 2025, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and all other parties involved to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the agency’s report submitted to the Lokpal in connection with the alleged cash-for-query scandal involving Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra.

A bench led by Justice Sachin Datta was hearing Moitra’s petition, in which she alleged that the media was informed immediately after the CBI submitted its report to the Lokpal.

"I'll make it clear by saying that confidentiality be maintained. I'll dispose of the petition... There's no doubt that confidentiality has to be maintained. There is no dispute that everyone is bound to maintain confidentiality," Justice Sachin Datta said.

The judge further added that he would pass a detailed order.

During the course of proceedings, counsel for Moitra told the High Court that although they were not seeking a take-down order, the provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, as well as relevant circulars, mandated confidentiality and should be complied with.

The counsel said that almost immediately after the CBI filed its report with the Lokpal, the news was out in the media.

The Lokpal had directed the CBI to conduct an investigation into allegations made by BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey against Mahua Moitra, who at the time was serving as the MP for Krishnanagar, for alleged corrupt practices.

In what is referred to as the cash-for-query row, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Mahua Moitra of asking questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for gifts.

The Ethics Committee, in a 500-page report, deemed her actions unethical, and she was thereafter expelled from the Lok Sabha for breaching parliamentary privilege and accepting “illegal gratification.”

The court, in an order dated March 4, 2024, dismissed Moitra’s suit seeking an injunction against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai to restrain the publication of allegedly defamatory statements against her, citing a lack of evidence to substantiate a prima facie case for an interim injunction.

On April 8, 2024, the court, in Jai Dehadrai's defamation suit, opined that Mahua Moitra (Trinamool Congress leader) retains the right to defend herself in the public sphere against allegations made by Dehadrai. However, the following day, the court also cautioned Moitra against making derogatory statements on social media platforms.

The bench of Justice Prateek Jalan emphasized that calling someone a "lunatic" is clearly libelous and therefore Moitra must be careful. The court further added that if Dehadrai persisted with false statements, he too would face consequences.

Case Title: MAHUA MOITRA v. LOKPAL

Order Date: 11 August 2025

Bench: Justice Sachin Datta

With PTI inputs