The Supreme Court of India on Friday confirmed its previous order granting interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case. The case, initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), involves allegations of financial fraud and criminal misappropriation in Ahmedabad.
A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, formally confirmed the relief after reviewing the matter. The court had initially granted interim bail to Langa on December 15 last year, scheduling the follow-up hearing for April 10.
While confirming the bail, the apex court emphasized that the order is subject to Langa’s “good conduct and behaviour.” The bench also imposed several stringent conditions to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal process.
Most notably, the court has prohibited Langa, who serves as an Assistant Editor for a major newspaper, from publishing or writing any articles regarding the sub-judice allegations against him. Furthermore, the bench directed the special court in Ahmedabad to conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis.
“The special court is directed to take up the case on a day-to-day basis for consideration of charge and if charge is framed, recording the statements of all the nine witnesses,” the bench stated.
The court made it clear that neither Langa nor the ED should seek adjournments, specifically noting that proceedings should not be delayed by separate quashing petitions currently pending before the High Court.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented Langa, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Enforcement Directorate. During the proceedings, the Solicitor General raised concerns regarding the nature of the allegations, stating, “Journalists extorting money and saying that if you do not pay, I will write against you is a serious offence.”
The bench agreed with Mehta’s contention that the observations made in the bail order should not be interpreted as a commentary on the actual merits of the case.
Langa’s legal troubles began in October 2024 when he was first arrested in a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case. Subsequently, on February 25, 2025, the ED arrested him in connection with the money laundering investigation. This secondary case stems from two FIRs filed by the Ahmedabad Police involving charges of fraud, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.
Previously, on July 31 last year, the Gujarat High Court had rejected Langa’s bail application, suggesting that his release might cause prejudice to the prosecution’s case. However, the Supreme Court’s latest ruling ensures he remains out on bail provided he adheres to the court-mandated conditions and cooperates fully with the trial court.
