In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has extended interim bail to Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, for a duration of two months, citing medical reasons. Goyal, who was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, will now have a brief respite from legal proceedings.
Key Court Orders
- Duration and Conditions: The single bench, presided over by Justice N J Jamadar, mandated Goyal to furnish a surety of ₹1 lakh and refrain from leaving Mumbai without prior authorization from the trial court. Goyal is to comply with all stipulated conditions during the interim bail period.
- Passport Surrender: Additionally, Goyal has been instructed to surrender his passport as part of the bail conditions.
Medical and Humanitarian Grounds
Personal Battle Against Cancer
Goyal, aged 75, appealed for interim bail on compassionate grounds, highlighting his and his wife Anita Goyal’s ongoing battle with cancer. Their medical conditions served as the basis for this plea.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Goyal’s arrest in September 2023 stemmed from allegations of money laundering and misappropriation of loans amounting to ₹538.62 crore, originally disbursed to Jet Airways by Canara Bank. Subsequently, his wife faced arrest in November 2023 following the submission of a chargesheet by the ED.
Legal Maneuvers
Despite a previous denial of bail in February, Goyal was granted admission to a private hospital for medical treatment. Subsequently, he approached the Bombay High Court, seeking bail both on merit and on medical grounds.
Humanitarian Appeal
During the proceedings, Goyal’s counsel, Harish Salve, emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the plea, underlining not just Goyal’s physical challenges but also the emotional strain caused by his wife’s health condition. Salve articulated Goyal’s fervent desire to stand by his wife during her challenging times.
Enforcement Directorate’s Stand
Request for Updated Medical Report
In response to the plea, the Enforcement Directorate expressed reservations, citing the absence of recent medical documentation. However, the agency indicated willingness to extend Goyal’s hospitalization for up to four weeks, with a request for a subsequent medical assessment.
In essence, while the legal battle continues, the interim bail granted to Naresh Goyal offers a brief reprieve, allowing him to focus on his health and family amidst ongoing legal proceedings.