Delhi High Court directs CBI and parties to maintain confidentiality of report in cash-for-query scam case against Mahua Moitra, ensuring secrecy under Lokpal Act provisions.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and all other parties involved in the cash-for-query case against former Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the agency’s report submitted to the Lokpal of India.
The directive was issued by Justice Sachin Datta while hearing Moitra’s plea, in which she alleged that the media was informed almost immediately after the CBI filed its report with the Lokpal. The petition was filed in connection with Complaint No. 201/2023 under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
The Court’s Observations
Justice Datta emphasized that maintaining confidentiality was not merely a procedural formality but a statutory requirement under Section 20(9) of the Lokpal Act, read with Rule 4(a) and (b) of the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020. These provisions mandate:
- Protection of the identity of the complainant and the public servant concerned until the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation.
- Preservation of the integrity of the investigative process.
The court also referred to the Lokpal’s Circular No. 01/25 dated June 5, 2025, which reiterates that officials and investigative agencies must safeguard confidential information obtained during proceedings. Any breach could invite legal consequences.
Background of the Case
The case stems from allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey that Moitra accepted gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group. This led to an investigation by the CBI at the behest of the Lokpal.
In December 2023, the Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee found her conduct unethical and recommended her expulsion, a decision subsequently approved by Parliament. In March 2024, the Lokpal directed the CBI to register a case against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Moitra has been engaged in multiple legal battles since, including defamation suits involving Dubey and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai. The Delhi High Court, in prior orders, allowed her to defend herself publicly but cautioned her against making derogatory statements.
Court’s Direction
On August 11, 2025, while the CBI and the Lokpal denied any leak of confidential material, the court clarified that:
“It is obligatory on the part of concerned respondents to maintain confidentiality in terms of the statutory provisions and the Lokpal’s circular. Any infraction will entail appropriate action.”
With this, the court disposed of the petition without issuing any further orders, stressing that the obligation to maintain secrecy was undisputed by all parties.
Appearance:
For Moitra: Advocates Samudra Sarangi, Saloni Jain. Panya Gupta, Panchi Aggarwal, and Navya Nanda
For the respondents (Lokpal, CBI): Special Public Prosecutor Ripudaman Bhardwaj, along with Advocates Kushagra Kumar and Kumar Rana
Case Title:
MAHUA MOITRA v. LOKPAL
W.P.(C) 11352/2025 and CM APPL.46597/2025
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