The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its reply within three days on the bail plea of journalist Mahesh Langa, who is facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an alleged financial fraud.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Langa, to submit a rejoinder within two days of the ED filing its response. The matter will next be heard on December 15.
“Journalist Facing Six Cases,” Sibal Tells Court
During the brief hearing, Sibal noted that Langa was facing six different cases.
The ED’s counsel countered, saying, “The journalist is accused of extortion,” while seeking a short adjournment due to the unavailability of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The Supreme Court had earlier, on September 8, issued notices to the Gujarat Government and the ED on Langa’s bail plea.
Bench Questions Nature of Journalism Involved
While issuing notice in September, the bench had remarked:
“What kind of a journalist is he? With due respect, there are very genuine journalists. But there are also people who ride around on scooters saying they are ‘patrakar’, and everyone knows what they actually do.”
Sibal responded that the allegations were unproven and that Langa had been repeatedly granted anticipatory bail before the ED case was invoked.
Background of the Case
- The Gujarat High Court rejected Langa’s bail plea on July 31, citing possible prejudice to the prosecution.
- The ED arrested him on February 25 in connection with an alleged financial fraud.
- Langa was first arrested in October 2024 in a GST fraud case.
- The money laundering case stems from two FIRs filed by Ahmedabad Police for fraud, cheating, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and causing wrongful loss of lakhs of rupees.
Langa remains in judicial custody as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter later this month
