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DisposedModerateLS Ethics Committee rules

Cash-for-Query case (Lok Sabha Ethics Committee)

Not a criminal case; LS Ethics reference· Filed 2023· Lok Sabha Ethics Committee· Delhi

Accused

MM

Mahua Moitra

Trinamool Congress

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Case Description

Ethics Committee inquiry over alleged 'cash for query' — businessman Darshan Hiranandani allegedly provided favours.

Allegation

Parliamentary privilege breach; receiving gifts/services from a businessman in return for raising questions.

Legal Sections

Parliamentary breach of privilege

Sections listed are from the LS Ethics Committee rules and related acts. Section numbers reference the Indian Penal Code (IPC) where applicable, otherwise BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023) or special statutes like PMLA, NDPS, PC Act.

Case Timeline

  1. Oct 2023 — BJP MP Nishikant Dubey complained to LS Speaker
  2. Nov 2023 — Ethics Committee constituted inquiry
  3. Dec 2023 — Moitra appeared, denied charges
  4. Dec 2023 — ED, CBI, Lokpal notifications by LS panel
  5. Feb 2024 — Ethics Committee report recommended expulsion
  6. Dec 2024 — SC referred question of MP privileges to larger bench
Next hearing: Pending SC larger bench reference