The Gujarat High Court on Thursday (January 9) granted bail to senior journalist Mahesh Langa, who was arrested three months ago for allegedly evading GST through bogus Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims worth Rs 6.64 lakh, The Indian Express reported.

This marks the first relief for Langa in the criminal case registered against him at the DCB police station in Ahmedabad.

However, he will remain in judicial custody due to a separate GST evasion case filed in Rajkot.

In the bail order, Justice M.R. Mengdey stated, “The authorities will release the applicant only if he is not required in connection with any other offence for the time being. If breach of any of the above conditions is committed, the Sessions Judge concerned will be free to issue a warrant or take appropriate action in the matter,” reported the newspaper.

Also read: Journalist Mahesh Langa Faces Fifth Case, Held by Rajkot Police in GST Probe

During the hearing, Langa’s counsel argued that there had been an undue delay in filing the FIR and highlighted that Langa had been in custody since October 8, 2024. It was also stated that Langa, as the proprietor of DA Enterprises, was willing to repay the wrongfully availed ITC.

The defence contended that the FIR was not legally tenable, as the GST Act provides a separate mechanism for addressing such cases.

Furthermore, the maximum penalty under the GST Act is one year of imprisonment, making the arrest disproportionate. The council also claimed the case was politically motivated due to Langa’s profession as a journalist.

The state government and the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence opposed the bail, arguing against Langa’s release.