The Bombay High Court has granted a temporary bail of two months to septuagenarian Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, who was arrested in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Goyal, who was apprehended by the central agency in September last year, sought relief from the high court after a special court dismissed his bail plea.
The court ruled, "Application stands partly allowed. Applicant be released on bail for a limited period of two months to avail the treatment for the cancer he is suffering from and attend to his wife, who is also suffering from cancer of an advanced grade." Goyal is required to stay within the jurisdiction of a special court designated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai and surrender his passport.
His plea for bail was based on medical and humanitarian grounds, citing his and his wife's terminal cancer conditions. Goyal has been undergoing treatment at the multispecialty Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Senior advocates Harish Salve and Aabad Ponda, representing Goyal, argued that his wife's health was deteriorating rapidly and he should be allowed to be with her on compassionate grounds. They emphasized that Goyal also struggled with cognitive or mental health issues and being with his wife would provide him with psychological strength to cope with the chronic ailment more effectively.
The bench acknowledged Goyal's medical records and opinions, emphasizing the importance of considering his health condition. It underscored the significance of personal liberty and noted that Goyal's age, illness, and family circumstances warranted bail under Section 45 (1) of PMLA.
In light of the medical assessments, the court concluded that Goyal did not require further specialized treatment beyond what he was receiving. It rebuffed the ED's argument that Goyal had received adequate medical care, asserting that personal liberty should not be disregarded.
Thus, the Bombay High Court exercised its discretion to grant temporary bail, recognizing the compelling circumstances surrounding Goyal's health and family situation.
