Gujarat High Court Issues Notice On State's Plea To Cancel Journalist Mahesh Langa's Anticipatory Bail In Cheating FIR

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday (November 27) issued notice to journalist Mahesh Langa, in State's plea seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to him by trial court in a cheating case last year. 

 Justice Utkarsh Thakorbhai Desai said, "Admit, issue notice". 

The State has challenged a November 25 order passed in 2024, which had granted the journalist bail in a cheating FIR registered against him on a complaint filed by an individual running an advertising agency.

Additional Sessions Judge Hemangkumar Girishkumar Pandya had granted anticipatory bail to Langa after noting that as per the contents of the FIR, the dispute between the parties was for non payment of money which is "primarily in civil nature". The trial court had also noted that the alleged cheating had happened between March 2023 and October this year and the complainant had not explained the delay in filing the complaint.

The complainant, running Khushi Advertisement Ideas Pvt. Ltd. since 2013, alleged that he met Langa and by relying on his word, the complainant had transferred ₹28.68 Lakh to Langa for various purposes.

When the complainant asked for the repayment, Langa allegedly threatened him with negative publicity using his media influence. The complainant thereafter approached the police and an FIR was filed on October 29 registered under Sections 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) and 318 (Cheating) of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

After considering arguments and contentions raised by the parties, the contents of the FIR, the sessions court in its order had observed, "The alleged period of cheating is from 01.03.2024 to 29.10.2024 whereas the FIR is registered on 29.10.2024. On perusal of the FIR, it is revealed that the First Informant is engaged in running business in the name of Khushi Advertising Ideas Pvt. Ltd. He met the Applicant (Langa) before 1 & ½ Year ago at Star Bucks Coffee Shop, Bodakdev and by relying upon the word of the Applicant, the First Informant has transferred certain amount in the account of 'Vyomin Media Pvt. Ltd.' on 16.03.2024 and subsequently on 06.06.2024 total Rs.28,68,250/- has been paid by the First Informant on behalf of the Applicant. When the First Informant has asked for return of the said amount, the Applicant has denied to repay the said amount by threatening the First Informant that he may publish negative news against the First Informant. This is the sum and substance of the FIR".

“Considering the fact the alleged offence are triable by the Magistrate, punishment prescribed thereof is maximum upto 7 years, the dispute between the parties are primarily in civil nature, non-payment of money," the court had added.

Case title: STATE OF GUJARAT  V/S MAHESHBHAI PRABHUDAN LANGA

R/CR.MA/24634/2025