THE DELHI High Court on Monday said it will direct the CBI and the Lokpal to maintain strict confidentiality in the Lokpal-ordered probe against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-queries row, while hearing a plea by Moitra raising objection to leaks pertaining to the investigation.
Represented by advocate Samudra Sarangi, Moitra argued that because of the “leaks” she “can’t defend these allegations in the public domain, and it’s a one sided attack”.
The TMC MP requested the court to issue directions to the CBI and Lokpal to maintain confidentiality, as prescribed under the rules. She is expected to make filings based on the CBI probe report before the Lokpal by August 13.
Objecting to the leak of the very fact that the CBI submitted its report to the Lokpal, which was made public through media in July, Moitra also expressed an apprehension that she was unaware if the probe report too had been leaked.
Relying on a June 5 circular by the Lokpal of India, The TMC leader’s counsel highlighted before Justice Sachin Datta that while referring complaints/matters to the inquiry/investigating agencies, absolute confidentiality shall be maintained, in accordance with Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020.
Moitra, in her plea before the HC, also referred to a tweet by a journalist who posted a screenshot of an email inbox where it was stated that “the investigation report in Complaint No. 201/2023 has been submitted by CBI which is under consideration of Lokpal of India”.
Justice Datta, orally remarked that “there is no doubt that confidentiality has to be maintained”. “I’ll direct that confidentiality will be strictly maintained by all concerned as per rules,” he said.
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The Lokpal of India, in March 2024, ordered a formal investigation by the CBI into the bribe-for-questions complaint against the TMC MP.
Moitra stands accused of sharing her Parliament login credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani, who allegedly posted questions on affairs related to industrialist Gautam Adani. It is alleged that Moitra did this for bribes, both in terms of cash and expensive gifts, received from Hirananadani. Moitra had denied the allegations.
The CBI has already conducted a preliminary enquiry (precursor to an FIR) in the matter which came about on the direction of Lokpal on November 8, 2023.
