Bombay High Court Extends Interim Bail Of Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal For Two Months

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday extended by 2 months, the interim bail it granted in May this year, to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in a money laundering case arising out of an alleged loan default of Rs. 538 Crores given to Jet Airways by Canara Bank.

Single-judge Justice Nijamoodin Jamadar extended the interim bail after hearing Goyal's counsel senior advocate Aabad Ponda, who informed the judge that his client had undergone laparoscopic surgery and had to undergo some treatment for cancer. The senior advocate also pointed out that his client was under depression.

The prayer was opposed by Chief Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegavkar, however, the court proceeded to extend the interim bail by two months.

Goyal was arrested by the ED on September 1, 2023, on charges of money laundering amounting to Rs 538.62 crore related to Jet Airways. He was denied permanent bail on medical grounds by a special PMLA court on April 10, 2024, leading him to approach the High Court.

Goyal's earlier plea had emphasized that pre-trial arrest under the PMLA aims to assist in the investigation and prevent evidence tampering but must be balanced with the accused's basic human rights. The plea highlighted that he and his wife were suffering from cancer. He contended that denying bail was inhumane, given their health conditions, and that he needed to explore alternative treatments and seek second opinions.

After considering the arguments, the HC had decided to grant bail for two months. Goyal's wife passed away a few days after he was granted bail.

Previously, in February, a Special PMLA Court denied Goyal interim bail on medical grounds but allowed hospitalization for cancer treatment. Last year, the HC also refused to quash Goyal's arrest.