Today, 3rd May, The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the interim bail plea of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. Goyal faces allegations of money laundering and financial irregularities. The High Court is set to decide on his interim bail plea on May 6. Goyal’s legal battles continue amid ongoing investigations into Jet Airways’ collapse.
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) taken a firm stand against granting interim medical bail to Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, amidst allegations of money laundering. The agency argued against the bail during a hearing, suggesting instead that Goyal’s hospital stay could be prolonged for another month if necessary.
Naresh Goyal sought this bail citing serious health concerns for both himself and his wife, Anita Goyal, as both are battling cancer. The appeal for bail made on both medical and humanitarian grounds.
During a recent session, Justice N J Jamadar of a single-judge bench mentioned that a decision on this matter would be delivered on May 6. Earlier in February, a special court denied Goyal bail. However, it allowed him the liberty to choose a private hospital for his medical treatment.
Last week, Goyal approached the high court, seeking an interim release based on the merits of his case and his medical condition. His legal representative, Harish Salve, emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the plea. In contrast, ED’s counsel, Hiten Venegaonkar, opposed the bail, although he expressed no objection to Goyal’s continued hospitalization.
Justice Jamadar, before concluding the hearing, noted the significance of unrestricted medical treatment, implying that the quality and context of treatment could impact the legal considerations in this case.
Venegaonkar countered, stating that there are currently no constraints in place. He stated,
“He mentioned that there’s a difference when someone receives medical treatment without constraints,”
The lawyer stated,
“According to Venegaonkar, he is receiving treatment at a hospital he chose, with doctors of his choosing. Both he and his wife are at the same hospital, free to meet and spend time together without any restrictions,”.
The legal representative suggested the court might prolong his hospital stay for four weeks and later seek a new medical assessment to evaluate his condition. Salve contended that besides his declining physical health, Naresh Goyal‘s mental well-being also a concern.
Salve expressed his concern about his mental health, emphasizing that,
“Being mentally infirm is more challenging than physical infirmity.”
He highlighted the strictness of Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) regarding granting bail to individuals arrested for financial crimes.
Salve noted,
“However, there is a provision within the section stating that bail can be considered for cases involving old age or infirmity. This provision adds a humane aspect to this section.”
He suggested that the court could grant interim bail to Goyal but impose stringent conditions on him.
Read Also: Jet Airways Founder | Mumbai Court Rejects Naresh Goyal’s Medical Bail Plea
Salve stated,
“He has been informed that his wife’s remaining time is limited to six months due to terminal cancer. Both he and his wife are battling cancer. It is crucial to consider their mental health during this time, as both require love and support,” .
Goyal detained by the ED in September 2023 on charges of money laundering and misappropriating loans amounting to Rs 538.62 crore from Canara Bank, originally intended for Jet Airways. His wife, Anita Goyal, apprehended in November 2023 following the filing of the ED‘s charge sheet. However, she released on bail the same day by the special court, which took into account her age and health condition.