Bombay HC Extends Interim Bail of Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal

The Bombay High Court has extended by two months the interim bail on medical grounds granted to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, who is accused in a money laundering case.

A single bench of Justice N.J. Jamadar extended the bail to allow the ailing Goyal to undergo necessary medical treatment. This marks the second extension of the bail for the 75-year-old businessman.

Initially, on May 6, the high court had granted interim bail on medical grounds to Goyal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged money laundering case. The bail was first extended for four weeks on July 5.

Goyal, who is battling cancer, informed the HC that he had undergone preliminary laparoscopic surgery and required further treatment. His counsel, Aabad Ponda, also highlighted that Goyal was suffering from depression along with his physical ailments.

ED lawyer Hiten Venegaonkar suggested that Goyal could be admitted to the hospital to receive all necessary treatments without extending the bail. However, the court decided to extend the interim bail for two more months.

In September 2023, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Naresh Goyal on allegations of laundering money and siphoning off loans amounting to Rs 538.62 crore, which were provided to Jet Airways by Canara Bank. His wife, Anita Goyal, was also arrested in November 2023 when the ED submitted its charge sheet. She was granted bail by the special court on the same day due to her age and medical condition. Unfortunately, Anita Goyal passed away on May 16, 2024.