The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Gujarat government and the Enforcement Directorate regarding the bail petition of journalist Mahesh Langa.
Langa is facing allegations of money laundering linked to a large financial fraud, and he has challenged the Gujarat High Court’s earlier rejection of his bail plea.
A bench composed of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi questioned the credibility of the petitioner, raising concerns about his conduct. The court asked, “What kind of a journalist is he?” Adding, “With due respect, there are some very genuine journalists. But there are also people who on their scooter say we are ‘patrakar’ (journalist) and what they actually do everybody knows.”
Defence Argues Allegations Are Unsubstantiated
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Langa, countered the court’s remarks, stating that these are merely allegations and not proven facts. He explained that Langa had secured anticipatory bail in earlier cases, but was now being targeted with fresh accusations:
“In one FIR, he gets anticipatory bail, then a second FIR is lodged and again anticipatory bail is granted but now he is booked under third FIR for income tax evasion. There are other things also against him,” Sibal said, arguing that the ongoing cases should be seen in the context of their background and complexities.
Timeline Of Arrests & Charges
Langa was first arrested in October 2024 in connection with a GST fraud case. He was later apprehended by the ED in February 2025 in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities.
The money laundering charges originate from two FIRs filed by the Ahmedabad Police, which accused Langa of fraud, criminal misappropriation, cheating, breach of trust, and causing substantial financial loss to several individuals.
The Gujarat High Court had rejected his bail application in July, observing that releasing him could hinder the prosecution’s case and jeopardize the investigation.
Questions Around Journalistic Integrity
The Supreme Court’s remarks underscore concerns over individuals misusing journalistic credentials to shield themselves from scrutiny. While the bench acknowledged that some journalists uphold integrity, it expressed skepticism about those who exploit the title without adhering to professional standards.
This case raises broader ethical questions about accountability in media practices and the misuse of a journalist’s identity in financial crimes.
Court’s notice now requires the Gujarat government and the ED to submit their responses, after which the court will decide how to proceed with Langa’s bail plea.
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