Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court today rejected the regular bail application of journalist Mahesh Langa in a GST fraud case. The case, registered by the Rajkot Police, accuses Langa of fraudulent claims for Input Tax Credit and document forgery. Justice MR Mengdey rejected the bail plea, stating only, “Dismissed.” A detailed copy of the order is awaited.

The court had reserved its judgment on January 28, after extensive hearings, during which the State argued that Langa is a significant and influential figure. The government lawyer also pointed out that Langa has been implicated in other FIRs, one of which involves the theft of highly sensitive government documents.

Meanwhile, speaking about the FIR concerning recovery of government documents related to  Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) Langa’s home, his counsel said that those documents were provided to him by “Essar company which is seeking permission to establish a port at Jamnagar and Adani Limited is coming in the way”. As per a report, the counsel claimed that these documents were related to the Gujarat Maritime Board and Adani Limited and argued that Adani was seeking a policy from the Gujarat government before the 2024 elections for the renewal of port leases due to expire in 2031.

Langa had filed for regular bail after his earlier application was dismissed by the Rajkot District and Sessions Court. The complaint filed with the Rajkot Police alleges that over 220 firms were fraudulently created across the country to deceive the government by claiming and passing forged Input Tax Credit (ITC) and evading duties through fake bills and forged documents.

Langa’s counsel also argued that his passport was with the authorities and that witness statements had been recorded, urging the court to grant bail. DeshGujarat