The Gujarat High Court expressed concern over the extensive media coverage of journalist Mahesh Langa’s arrest related to GST fraud, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment under the law. The court resolved to remain unaffected by public opinion, underlining that every citizen deserves fairness during legal proceedings, irrespective of their profession.
Gujarat: The Gujarat High Court on raised concerns over the widespread attention surrounding the arrest of Mahesh Langa, a journalist with The Hindu, in connection with a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case. The court questioned why there was so much publicity around the case, emphasizing that every individual, regardless of profession, is equal before the law.
Justice Sandeep N Bhatt remarked,
“Why is it so publicized? Every citizen is a citizen. We don’t want any publicity, at least during the course of adjudication. This is not fair.”
The judge further added that the court will not be swayed by external attempts to bring undue attention to the case. “We are not carried away by such attempts. That is not proper,” he noted.
The court made these remarks after Langa’s counsel sought to withdraw his plea, which challenged a magistrate court’s decision to remand him to ten days of police custody. Langa was arrested on October 8 by the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Gujarat, related to allegations of involvement in a GST fraud scheme. His plea sought to challenge the remand order, asserting that the magistrate’s court had not recorded any findings to substantiate his alleged role in the offense.
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When the matter came up last week, the State’s counsel had informed the court that they had not yet received a copy of the petition. Consequently, the case was adjourned to Monday, with the court directing Langa’s counsel to serve the papers on the State.
On Monday, Langa’s counsel informed the court that the journalist wished to withdraw his plea. In response, Justice Bhatt asked why the plea was being withdrawn and if there had been any new developments. The counsel, however, stated that he did not have any further information.
Justice Bhatt expressed dissatisfaction over the attention the case was receiving in the public domain, pointing out that the media coverage surrounding the petition was excessive.
“Whoever it is – even politician, reporter or some normal citizen, the court of law is court of law. When we consider, it is on merits. Why such extra hue and cry?”
the judge remarked.
The court’s comments reflected a concern that the publicity might have been an attempt to influence the legal proceedings. “It amounts to that impliedly, not by you but whoever is trying to make such attempt,” Justice Bhatt said in response to the lawyer’s assurance that there was no ill intention against the court.
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Langa’s arrest is part of a larger investigation into GST fraud, where 13 firms and their owners were accused of setting up 220 shell companies using forged documents to falsely claim input tax credit (ITC). Langa, along with three others, was detained as part of this probe. He has consistently denied any involvement, arguing that his arrest was politically motivated and intended to prevent him from continuing his journalistic work.
As the case unfolds, the Gujarat High Court remains firm in its stance, treating the matter on its legal merits without being influenced by external factors, reinforcing the principle that “every citizen is equal before the law.”
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