The court, however, assured Goyal that all possible assistance would be provided for his mental and physical health, including proper medical treatment during his incarceration.
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Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, an accused in the alleged fraud of ₹ 538 crore at Canara Bank, currently in judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case, made a heart-wrenching plea before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court. Appearing via video conference for a bail hearing, Goyal expressed his despair and deteriorating health, leading to a dramatic moment in the courtroom.
Goyal, who is 75 years old, conveyed to the court that his physical and mental condition was in a precarious state. He implored the court not to send him to the state-run JJ Hospital, citing the arduous and stressful journey from prison to the hospital and the difficulty he faced in enduring the long queues. Instead, he requested to remain in prison.
In a statement that underscored his desperation, Goyal pleaded with the judge,
“Don’t send him to JJ Hospital and allow him to die in the jail itself. Now, he has lost every hope of life and better he should die rather keeping him alive in such a situation,”
as recorded by Special Judge MG Deshpande in the daily proceedings.
The court, however, assured Goyal that all possible assistance would be provided for his mental and physical health, including proper medical treatment during his incarceration. This assurance came in response to Goyal’s bleak outlook on his future and his explicit wish to die in jail rather than continue living in his current state.
The judge on Friday noted Goyal’s submissions and assured Goyal that he would be provided with proper treatment.
“I have assured the accused (Goyal) that he will not be left helpless and all possible care of his mental and physical health will be taken with proper treatment. Everything regarding his health will be taken care of,” the judge said in the roznama.
Goyal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 1 came following a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) based on a complaint by Canara Bank. The complaint involved an alleged fraud of ₹7,000 crores. After being questioned, Goyal was officially placed under arrest by the ED.
Following the rejection of his plea challenging his arrest and seeking release by the Bombay High Court, Goyal approached the sessions court for bail. During the hearing, the judge noted Goyal’s submissions and reassured him of receiving proper treatment.
This case highlights the complex and often distressing human aspect of legal proceedings, especially in high-profile cases involving significant financial allegations. Goyal’s plea reflects the immense pressure and the toll that legal battles can take on individuals, regardless of their status or past achievements.