Punishment — motive sought? (4,3)
I believe the answer is:
what for
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'punishment' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'motive sought?' is the second definition.
(for what reason)
(Other definitions for what for that I've seen before include "Punishment that may be given" , "reprimand?" , "it's a question of purpose" , "Beating" .)