Lokpal Asked CBI Probe Against TMC leader Mahua Moitra

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 20-03-2024

Lokpal Asked CBI Probe Against TMC leader Mahua Moitra

Person in News 4 min read

The Lokpal has called for a CBI investigation against TMC leader Mahua Moitra in the cash-for-queries case.

The Lokpal, an anti-corruption body, has requested that the central agency CBI should investigate the allegations under Section 20(3)(a) and give a report within six months. The official communique states that there is 'no doubt' that the allegations against Moitra are 'extremely serious' and require a thorough probe.
Under Section 20(3)(a), the Lokpal has directed the CBI to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint and submit a copy of the investigation report within six months from the date of receipt of the order.
The CBI is also required to file periodic reports on the status of the investigation every month.
Earlier, the CBI had conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against the former Lok Sabha MP on the reference from the Lokpal. Mahua Moitra was expelled in December 2023 after being found guilty of accepting 'bribes' in exchange for posing questions to the Parliament.
The complaint against her was made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey to the Lok Sabha Speaker. It has been claimed that Moitra was given an amount of ₹2 crore, in both Indian and foreign currency, by Shri Darshan Hiranandani. This was allegedly in exchange for Moitra asking certain questions in Parliament.
Moitra has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that she was being targeted as she raised questions about the deals of the Adani Group.

About Lokpal

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was passed by the Parliament on December 17, 2013. With the Hon'ble President's assent, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was officially notified on January 1, 2014.
This Act became effective on January 16, 2014, and has since been amended once in 2016. Its primary purpose is to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries within its defined scope and jurisdiction.

Composition:

The Lokpal committee comprises nine members, including a chairperson and four judicial members. Their tenure is for five years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever is earlier.

Jurisdiction

The Lokpal is empowered to investigate corruption allegations against certain government officials, including the prime minister, Union government ministers, Parliament members, and officials of Groups A, B, C, and D.
The scope of jurisdiction also covers chairpersons, officers, members and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust, or autonomous body established by an Act of Parliament or receiving partial or full funding from the central or state government.
Justice Khanwilkar succeeded Pinaki Chandra Ghose as India's second Lokpal, following Ghose's retirement in May 2022 after serving a two-year term.