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SC Examines Lokpal Act Sections 20(7)(a) and 20(8) in Cash-for-Query Case, Stays Delhi HC's December 19, 2025 Order

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
13 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:December 19, 2025November 12, 2025Section 20(7)(a) Lokpal ActSection 20(8) Lokpal Act
Bodies:Supreme CourtDelhi High CourtLokpalCentral Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
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What This Article Covers

1.The Supreme Court has stayed the Delhi High Court's December 19, 2025, direction to the Lokpal to take a fresh decision on sanction against Mahua Moitra within a month.

2.The SC will examine the interplay between Sections 20(7)(a) and 20(8) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, questioning if the Lokpal's power extends to overseeing prosecution post-chargesheet.

3.The case stems from a 2023 complaint alleging 'cash-for-query' against the TMC MP, leading to a CBI investigation and a Lokpal sanction order dated November 12, 2025.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Supreme Court has issued notice to MP Mahua Moitra and expressed prima facie doubts about the Delhi High Court's interpretation of the Lokpal Act. The core legal question revolves around whether Sections 20(7)(a) and 20(8) of the Act provide for a single or a two-stage sanction process for prosecution, a matter that will shape the autonomy and functioning of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Date of SC NoticeMarch 13, 2026
Date of Delhi HC OrderDecember 19, 2025
Date of Lokpal Sanction OrderNovember 12, 2025
Act in QuestionLokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Date of SC Notice: March 13, 2026
  • ›Date of Delhi HC Order: December 19, 2025
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Sections 20(7)(a) and 20(8) of The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
  • ›Target this Date: Delhi High Court's order dated December 19, 2025.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The Lokpal of India (anti-corruption ombudsman).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, which is central to the news, was passed in which year?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. The Supreme Court has completely stayed the Delhi High Court's order in the cash-for-query case involving Mahua Moitra.

2. The Delhi High Court had set aside the Lokpal's sanction order dated November 12, 2025.

3. The Supreme Court bench hearing the matter included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the article, on which date did the Delhi High Court pass the order that has been challenged in the Supreme Court?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the core legal issue that the Supreme Court intends to examine, as highlighted in the news?

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