The Supreme Court issued notice on the bail plea filed by journalist Mahesh Langa in connection with a money laundering case linked to two FIRs, which also include allegations of cheating.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter. Langa had moved the apex court after the Gujarat High Court refused to grant him regular bail in the case.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Langa, argued that the allegations were exaggerated and highlighted that anticipatory bail had already been granted in two of the FIRs against him. “One FIR, anticipatory bail. Second FIR, anticipatory bail. Third FIR, they say there is income tax evasion,” Sibal submitted.
Justice Kant, however, questioned Langa’s role and credibility as a journalist. “What kind of a journalist is, Mr. Sibal?” the judge asked, while remarking that while there are many genuine journalists, “there are people on scooter saying we are patrakaar, and what they do everybody knows.”
Responding to the observations, Sibal stressed that the allegations were not conclusive and pointed out that Langa possessed court documents related to other matters which formed part of his background. “These are all allegations,” he reiterated.
After brief submissions, the Bench directed issuance of notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and posted the matter for further hearing.
The case arises from multiple complaints against Langa, including charges of cheating and alleged tax evasion, which the ED later took up under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The apex court’s decision to issue notice marks the first step in examining whether Langa is entitled to bail, after the High Court denied him relief earlier.
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