India, Dec. 29 -- The Delhi High Court recently set aside the Lokpal's order granting the CBI sanction to file a charge sheet against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in the 'cash-for-query' case. While the ruling provides significant legal relief to Moitra, it serves as a notable judicial rebuke to the Lokpal institution regarding its adherence to procedural mandates.

The December 19, 2025, judgment has raised questions on the working and independence of the anti-corruption body, which was born out of a massive public movement of 2011. The High Court ruled that there was a "clear departure" on the part of the Ombudsman from the procedures mandated under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

The two-judge Bench found that the...