Court Rules Against Bail for Jet Airways' Naresh Goyal Citing Adequate Health Care

In a recent ruling, the court has denied bail to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, citing that his current medical treatment, which he personally selected, is optimal and his health would not benefit from release. Special Judge M.G. Deshpande, overseeing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), delivered this verdict on April 10, emphasizing that the medical reports presented did not support Goyal's claim for bail based on health grounds.

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Goyal, 74, had sought bail citing several life-threatening medical conditions. His plea came after a February 2024 decision where the court denied him interim bail despite his cancer diagnosis but allowed him to choose his hospital for treatment. Goyal opted for treatment at Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital over the Tata Memorial cancer hospital, which was recommended by the court for its specialized oncology team and potential for reduced treatment costs.

The court's detailed order highlighted Goyal's preference for Reliance Foundation Hospital despite the alternative of receiving care from Tata Memorial's cancer experts. It was noted that the facilities and care at Reliance Foundation Hospital were deemed superior to what could be provided in jail or at home, particularly for his psychiatric issues.

Additionally, the court addressed Goyal's concerns about his advanced age and his wife Anita Goyal's health, stating that his release would not be beneficial to her as both are undergoing treatment at the same hospital. The judgment underscored that all medical treatments chosen by Goyal were being administered and that his doctors were best placed to manage his health.

The judge also pointed out that none of the medical reports suggested that judicial custody hindered Goyal's treatment or that bail would improve his condition. On the contrary, there was concern that release could expose him to infections and potentially worsen his health.

Goyal was arrested in September 2023 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accused of misappropriating loans of Rs 538.62 crore from Canara Bank intended for the now-defunct Jet Airways and laundering the funds. This latest court ruling underscores the judiciary's stance on ensuring that legal proceedings are not circumvented under the guise of medical grounds without substantial evidence.