A division bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar ruled the Lokpal's November 12 decision flawed, directing the anti-corruption body to reconsider the sanction afresh under Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act within one month.
Moitra's lawyers argued the Lokpal ignored her detailed submissions and violated natural justice principles by not properly evaluating her defence before approving prosecution.
The CBI countered that Moitra had no right to submit documents or demand an oral hearing—only written comments were required.
The court found procedural lapses, effectively halting the CBI from proceeding with the chargesheet until the Lokpal issues a new reasoned order.
The scandal dates to 2023, when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of posing questions in Lok Sabha targeting the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in exchange for cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
Moitra admitted sharing her Parliament login credentials but denied bribery. The allegations led to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha after an Ethics Committee probe.
The CBI registered an FIR in March 2024 on Lokpal directions and submitted its report in July 2025.
Moitra welcomed the ruling as upholding due process, while the case returns to the Lokpal for independent review.
The outcome delays potential criminal proceedings, keeping the politically charged matter alive ahead of future hearings.
