In a significant legal development, a Gujarat court has granted anticipatory bail to journalist Mahesh Langa in a cheating case involving ₹28.68 lakh. However, Langa remains in judicial custody due to a separate Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case.
Background of the Cheating Case
The cheating case was initiated based on a complaint by Pranav Shah, owner of Khushi Advertising Ideas Pvt. Ltd. Shah alleged that he met Langa approximately 18 months prior at a coffee shop in Bodakdev.
Trusting Langa’s assurances, Shah transferred ₹23 lakh to Vyomin Media Pvt. Ltd. on March 16 and June 6, 2024, to purchase an office.
Additionally, Shah claimed to have spent ₹5.68 lakh on a party organized at Langa’s behest, with the understanding that Langa would reimburse the amount. When Shah sought repayment, Langa allegedly refused and threatened negative media coverage.
Court’s Observations and Decision
On November 25, 2024, the Ahmedabad City Civil and Sessions Court granted Langa anticipatory bail in the cheating case. The court noted that the dispute appeared to be civil in nature, primarily concerning non-payment of money. The alleged offenses, punishable by up to seven years, were deemed triable by a magistrate.
The court also highlighted the delay in filing the complaint, as the alleged cheating occurred between March and October 2024, but the FIR was registered on October 29, 2024. Considering these factors, the court exercised its discretion to grant anticipatory bail.
GST Fraud Case and Ongoing Custody
Despite securing anticipatory bail in the cheating case, Langa remains in judicial custody for alleged GST fraud. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested him on October 8, 2024, after raids across multiple locations in Gujarat.
Authorities reportedly seized ₹20 lakh in cash, gold jewelry, and land documents from Langa’s residence. The investigation uncovered over 200 fake companies involved in fraudulent input tax credit claims, with some firms allegedly linked to Langa’s family members.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
A magisterial court denied Langa’s bail application in the GST fraud case. The court cited the seriousness of the offense and potential financial losses to the government. Despite being a reputed journalist, the court noted that Langa appeared to have engaged in tax evasion through fake billing. Langa has challenged the police remand in the GST case, filing a plea before the Gujarat High Court.
The Editors Guild of India expressed concern over the FIR against Langa for possessing confidential government documents, emphasizing that journalists often access sensitive information in their work. They urged that Langa not be deprived of fair and speedy justice. Conversely, some, including Malini Parthasarathy, former chairperson of The Hindu Group, asserted that journalists are not above the law and should be accountable for actions unrelated to their journalistic duties.
Conclusion
The legal challenges facing Mahesh Langa highlight the complex interplay between journalistic practices and legal accountability. While he has obtained anticipatory bail in the cheating case, the GST fraud allegations continue to pose significant legal hurdles. As investigations proceed, the outcomes will be closely monitored by both the media fraternity and the public, underscoring the importance of upholding legal processes while ensuring journalistic freedom.
