Mon Dec 08 09:20:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text:

Summary:

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond within three days to a bail plea filed by journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case. The case is connected to allegations of financial fraud. Langa’s lawyer, Kapil Sibal, argued that his client is facing multiple cases and that the situation has a specific background. The ED claims Langa is involved in extortion and sought an adjournment. The Supreme Court previously questioned Langa’s journalistic integrity. The Gujarat High Court had earlier rejected Langa’s bail plea, citing potential prejudice to the prosecution. Langa was arrested by the ED in February 2025 following a prior arrest in October 2024 related to a GST fraud case. The money laundering charges arise from police FIRs alleging fraud, misappropriation, breach of trust, and cheating that caused financial losses.

News Article:

Supreme Court Orders ED Response in Journalist Mahesh Langa’s Bail Plea

New Delhi – December 8, 2025 – The Supreme Court today instructed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to submit its response within three days regarding the bail application of journalist Mahesh Langa. Langa is currently detained in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged financial fraud.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Langa, to file a rejoinder within two days of the ED’s response. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on December 15th.

During today’s brief hearing, Sibal argued that Langa is facing a total of six cases. The ED countered, accusing Langa of extortion and requesting a postponement due to the unavailability of Solicitor General Tuhar Mehta.

This development follows the Supreme Court’s earlier questioning of Langa’s journalistic credentials when it initially sought responses from the Gujarat government and the ED on September 8th.

Langa’s legal troubles began with an arrest in a GST fraud case in October 2024, followed by his arrest by the ED in February 2025. The money laundering charges stem from FIRs filed by Ahmedabad police alleging fraud, criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, and cheating that resulted in significant financial losses to individuals.

The Gujarat High Court previously denied Langa bail, citing potential prejudice to the prosecution’s case should he be released.

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