Gujarat High Court Issues Notice On Journalist Mahesh Langa's Bail Plea In Money Laundering Case

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday (April 16) issued notice on a regular bail plea moved by journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case lodged in connection with two cheating FIRs registered against the journalist which are stated to be the predicate offences. 

For context, a sessions court had in November last year granted anticipatory bail to Langa in a cheating FIR registered against him on a complaint filed by an individual running an advertising agency. The court had granted the bail 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". It had then 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.

During the hearing today, Justice MR Mengdey issued notice to the State and other respondent and listed the matter for hearing on May 1. 

"I'm issuing notice, returnable on May 1," the court said. 

Appearing for Langa advocate AJ Yagnik submitted, "Before I open this matter, there were 6 FIRs against him. In one GST this hon'ble court granted bail. In 2 hon'ble SC has granted bail. In remaining 3 anticipatory bail has been granted-two by sessions court and in one by this court a coordinate bench in a matter where I was alleged to have stolen documents from Gujarat Maritime Board. In all 6 FIRs I'm now on bail".

He submitted that, "Once Supreme Court granted bail, in two complaints PMLA is now invoked against me and Im arrested in February...There are predicate offences, one where a person says that 'I paid to the applicant Mahesh Langa Rs 23 Lakh by way of cheque for helping me for promoting my advertisement agency'". 

Yagnik said that the complainant had alleged that Langa had initially helped the complainant, and thereafter he did not; when the complainant asked for money back Langa allegedly did not return the money. 

He argued, "Therefore FIR was registered. Anticipatory bail granted in normal investigation being carried out by detection of crime branch. This registered immediately after first GST offence was registered. Sessions court granted anticipatory bail the very complainant has not opposed the same. Thereafter a second complaint of identical nature was registered against me saying that in a coffee bar, 'I met journalist; he asked for Rs. 20 Lakh in cash ; I paid Rs 40 Lakhs in all and now he (Langa) is not providing me the services'".

Yagnik submitted that this complainant has alleged that when asked for money back from Langa, he refused to return the money. 

"This is the sum and substance in both (section) 420 IPC has been alleged. Since in both anticipatory bail has been granted by sessions court, now these two are being made as predicate offences under PMLA. More than 6 months have passed, no chargesheet has been filed in those two matters by local police. This is basis for invoking PMLA. In quite conscious that these are scheduled offences therefore irrespective of normal investigation they can certainly invoke. Im posing myself a question. Where foundation is so weak where in one FIR there is transaction of cash; no evidence, I'm granted anticipatory bail immediately. In another there is a cheque, the sessions court observes that this a civil dispute...," Yagnik said. 

Case title : MAHESHDAN PRABHUDAN LANGA v/s STATE OF GUJARAT & ANR.

R/CR.MA/7538/2025