Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Journalist Mahesh Langa Amid Money Laundering Allegations

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa, who is facing serious allegations of money laundering and cheating. Langa, arrested in connection with a Goods and Services Tax scam, must comply with court directives, including refraining from writing about his case. The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for January 6, where the Enforcement Directorate is expected to report on Langa's compliance. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between journalists and industrialists, raising questions about press freedom and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 16, 2025, 15:50 IST

Supreme Court Decision on Mahesh Langa's Bail

On Monday, the Supreme Court provided interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa, who is embroiled in a money laundering case initiated by the Enforcement Directorate, stemming from two separate allegations of cheating.

Langa, who works for a prominent newspaper in Ahmedabad, was initially detained by the city's Crime Branch on October 7, 2024, due to his suspected involvement in a scam related to Goods and Services Tax. He faced further arrest on February 20 in connection with the money laundering charges.

While granting bail, the Supreme Court instructed Langa to submit bail bonds as required by the special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Chief Justice Surya Kant, leading the bench, also mandated that Langa refrain from publishing any articles regarding the allegations against him.

The court has ordered the special court to expedite the case proceedings, ensuring that the testimonies of nine witnesses are recorded daily.

Additionally, the bench urged Langa and his legal team to fully cooperate with the special court and not to request delays based on pending proceedings in the High Court.

The Supreme Court is set to revisit the case on January 6, where it has requested the Enforcement Directorate to present a status report concerning Langa's adherence to the court's orders.

The court cautioned that failure to comply with its directives could result in the cancellation of Langa's interim bail.

During the hearing, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate, opposed the bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against a journalist accused of extortion. In defense, advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Langa, countered that the targeting of journalists by industrialists is equally concerning.

Details of Allegations Against Langa

Mahesh Langa faces multiple allegations, with at least seven cases lodged against him, including five FIRs from the Gujarat Police and two from the Enforcement Directorate.

His initial arrest by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch on October 7 was linked to an alleged fraud involving Goods and Services Tax.

The police claim that a company named Dhruvi Enterprise established six firms using a single Permanent Account Number to illegitimately obtain input tax credits, with one of the firms identified in the FIR being DA Enterprise.

On October 22, 2024, authorities filed a second case against Langa for allegedly possessing confidential documents related to the Gujarat Maritime Board, which were seized during his initial arrest.

On October 29, 2024, he was charged with allegedly defrauding a businessman in Ahmedabad, coinciding with the Enforcement Directorate's announcement of a money laundering case against him and others.