Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal granted 2-month interim bail on medical grounds
PTC News Desk: In a significant legal development, the Bombay High Court has granted interim bail to Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, for a period of two months citing medical reasons. Goyal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, has been accorded temporary relief by a single bench presided over by Justice NJ Jamadar.
The court ruling mandates Goyal to furnish a surety bond of Rs 1 lakh and prohibits him from leaving Mumbai without prior authorisation from the trial court. “The applicant (Goyal) shall be released on interim bail for a period of two months. He shall abide by all conditions imposed,” stated the bench. Additionally, Goyal has been directed to surrender his passport as part of the interim arrangement.
Goyal, aged 75, had sought interim bail on compassionate and medical grounds, citing his and his wife Anita Goyal’s ongoing battle with cancer. The plea highlights the humanitarian aspect of the situation, emphasising the need for Goyal to be with his spouse during her medical treatment.
The legal saga began when Goyal was arrested by the ED in September 2023 on allegations of money laundering and misappropriation of loans amounting to Rs 538.62 crore provided to Jet Airways by Canara Bank. Subsequently, his wife Anita Goyal was also apprehended in November 2023 following the submission of the ED’s chargesheet in the case. While Anita Goyal was granted bail by a special court the same day, considering her age and medical condition, Naresh Goyal’s bail plea was denied in February.
However, the special court permitted Goyal to seek medical treatment at a private hospital. Subsequently, Goyal approached the Bombay High Court, seeking bail on legal grounds and interim relief due to his health conditions and the need to support his wife during her health struggles.
During the hearing, Goyal’s legal counsel, Harish Salve, emphasised the humanitarian aspect of the plea, shedding light on the physical and emotional challenges faced by Goyal and his wife. Salve expressed Goyal’s earnest desire to be with his spouse during her challenging times, underscoring the need for compassionate consideration from the court.
The Enforcement Directorate opposed the plea, citing the absence of recent medical documentation supporting Goyal’s health claims. However, ED’s counsel Hiten Venegaonkar indicated the agency’s willingness to extend Goyal’s hospitalization for four weeks and reassess his medical condition based on a fresh medical report.