Supreme Court Delays Hearing on Journalist’s Money-Laundering Case

The Supreme Court of India has adjourned the hearing on a plea from journalist Mahesh Langa in a money-laundering case until April 7, 2023. This case is connected to an alleged financial fraud that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating in Ahmedabad. The decision was made during a hearing on January 6, 2023, where the court responded to a request for additional time from the Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, who represents the ED.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi agreed to defer the hearing after Mehta indicated that the trial is currently underway. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is defending Langa, assured the court that his client is cooperating with the special court overseeing the proceedings.

On December 15, 2022, the Supreme Court granted Langa interim bail while imposing several conditions. Among these, the journalist is prohibited from publishing any articles related to his ongoing case and is not allowed to request further adjournments from the special court. The charges against Langa have yet to be formally framed, although the ED has identified nine witnesses in this matter.

Langa’s legal troubles began in October 2024 when he was arrested in connection with a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case. The ongoing money-laundering investigation is based on two First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the Ahmedabad Police, accusing Langa of fraud, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and cheating, resulting in significant financial loss to numerous victims.

On July 31, 2022, the Gujarat High Court denied Langa bail, stating that granting him relief could jeopardize the prosecution’s case. The developments surrounding this case have garnered significant media attention, particularly given the implications for press freedom and the legal challenges faced by journalists in India. The upcoming hearing on April 7 will be crucial in determining the next steps for Langa as he navigates these serious allegations.