India, Sept. 2 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing on two pleas filed by the Lokpal in the alleged cash-for-query scam against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the fact that the Centre, which was made a party to the petitions on July 24, was unrepresented during the hearing.

"The Union of India is unrepresented. One more opportunity is granted to the UOI to file the counter affidavit (reply), if required. The matter is adjourned," the bench said.

On July 24, the bench had made the Ministry of Home Affairs a party to the pleas.

Prior to this, the top court had on March 13 stayed a part of the December 19, 2025 order of...