New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday confirmed its earlier order granting interim bail to Gujarat-based journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case linked to an alleged financial fraud being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.

The apex court had initially granted interim bail to Langa on December 15 last year and had scheduled the matter for further hearing on April 10. With the latest order, the interim relief has now been regularised, allowing the journalist to remain on bail under previously imposed conditions.

Bench confirms interim relief

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, took note of submissions made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the probe agency, before confirming the interim bail.

The bench accepted the contention that observations made in the earlier bail order should not be treated as remarks on the merits of the case. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Langa during the proceedings.

Conditions imposed on the journalist

While granting relief, the Supreme Court reiterated several conditions to ensure a fair and speedy trial. The court directed that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis by the designated special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Langa has been instructed to furnish bail bonds to the satisfaction of the special court and to fully cooperate with the trial proceedings. The court emphasised that neither Langa nor his legal team should seek adjournments, particularly on the grounds that separate quashing proceedings are pending before the high court.

Importantly, the court also barred the journalist from writing or publishing any article related to the case while it remains sub judice. This restriction applies to his professional capacity as an assistant editor at a newspaper.

The bench further stated that the continuation of bail is subject to Langa maintaining “good conduct and behaviour” during the course of the trial.

Directions to trial court and ED

The apex court directed the special court in Ahmedabad to take up the case on a day-to-day basis, including consideration of charges and, if charges are framed, recording statements of all nine witnesses involved.

The Enforcement Directorate has also been asked to cooperate fully with the trial court to ensure there are no delays in the proceedings. The court clarified that since the high court has not stayed the trial, proceedings must continue without interruption.

Additionally, Langa has been given the liberty to raise all legal contentions, objections and defence pleas before the trial court in accordance with the law.

Background of the case

The case against Mahesh Langa stems from a money laundering investigation linked to alleged financial fraud. The Enforcement Directorate arrested him on February 25, 2025, in connection with the probe.

Prior to this, Langa was arrested in October 2024 in a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case. The money laundering charges are based on two FIRs filed by the Ahmedabad Police, which include allegations of fraud, criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, cheating, and causing wrongful losses amounting to several lakh rupees.

Earlier, on July 31 last year, the Gujarat High Court had rejected Langa’s bail plea, observing that granting relief at that stage could prejudice the prosecution’s case.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to regularise Mahesh Langa’s interim bail provides temporary relief while ensuring that the legal process continues without delay. By imposing strict conditions and directing a day-to-day trial, the court has sought to balance the rights of the accused with the need for a fair and expeditious investigation into serious financial offences.