Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal has moved the Bombay High Court seeking bail in a money laundering case. Goyal, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, argues that his and his wife’s severe medical conditions warrant bail. According to a psychological report, Goyal is suffering from major depression and suicidal ideation.
The plea emphasizes the violation of basic human rights by denying Goyal the opportunity to be with his terminally ill wife. Goyal maintains his innocence and asserts that the allegations against him are false.
Goyal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in September 2023 on allegations of money laundering and siphoning off loans given to Jet Airways. His wife Anita Goyal was arrested in November 2023 when the ED submitted its chargesheet in the case. She was granted bail by the special court on the same day considering her age and medical condition.
In February this year, a special court permitted Goyal to be admitted in a hospital of his choice for a period of two months for medical treatment. The special court had, however, denied bail to Goyal, noting that he was being provided treatment at the hospital of his choice and was being taken care of by doctors. The court had also said that Goyal’s wife was also undergoing treatment at the same hospital.
Goyal sought bail from the high court on the merits of the case too and said he has been implicated in a false case. Goyal claimed that every single rupee of the money received from the Canara Bank was utilized by JIL (Jet Airways India Ltd) towards legitimate business purposes. He added that he was a non-executive director/ chairman of JIL and hence had no powers of management of its day-to-day affairs.
“The allegation that the money was issued for illegitimate purposes is ex-facie frivolous,” the plea said. It added that the probe against him is over and a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) has also been filed by the ED and hence his custody was not required.
Goyal in his plea said his right to life and dignity cannot be curtailed or suspended merely because he is accused of an economic offence.
