Lokpal has ordered Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mahua Moitra in a cash-for-query rip-off case. The probe has been ordered beneath Section 20(3)(a) for ‘quid professional quo’ concerning questions raised in Parliament.
“We direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the Investigation Report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order. The CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month,” the order stated.
In December final yr, Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha for “unethical conduct” after which she moved the Supreme Court difficult her expulsion.
She has been renominated by the occasion as its candidate from the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal.
The Lokpal directive got here whereas deciding a criticism by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey alleging that Moitra had requested questions in the Lower House of Parliament in alternate for money and items from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
“After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations levelled against the RPS (Respondent Public Servant), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her,” reads the Lokpal order.
It has referred to Moitra because the RPS in the order.
“Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth. This is vital in view of the position and status held by the RPS at the relevant point of time,” stated the order of the Lokpal bench comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari (judicial member) and Members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh.
It stated no matter be the place held, a public servant is sure to train probity in the discharge of his or her duties.
“The responsibility and burden are heavier on the shoulders of a public representative. Corruption is a malaise that is adversely affecting the legislative, administrative, social and economic functioning of this democratic country,” the order stated.
“It is a duty cast upon us and, indeed, the mandate of the (Lokpal) Act, that all attempts be made to root out corruption and corrupt practises that bring under their fold aspects such as undue advantage, illegal gain or benefit and quid pro quo in the discharge of public duties,” it stated.
Accordingly, “we direct the CBI… to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the investigation report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order”, the order stated.
The CBI shall additionally file periodical studies concerning the standing of the investigation, each month, it added.
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