Court rejects interim bail for Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, says his cancer is not life threatening

Naresh Goyal. File Pic

A special court on Thursday rejected interim bail for Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, stating that his cancer was at a preliminary stage and not life threatening. Goyal is arrested in a Rs 500 crore money laundering case. On February 15, Goyal filed an application seeking interim bail on medical grounds as the tests revealed malignancy.

The court, however, permitted Goyal, to undergo cancer treatment at a hospital of his choice for two months. Goyal (74), who is lodged in Arthur Road jail in central Mumbai, had sought to be released on interim bail to undergo treatment for cancer, reported news wire PTI.

As per PTI report, Special judge for cases under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) M G Deshpande noted that as per Goyal's medical reports, the malignancy was at a preliminary stage and was not life threatening and holds a strong hope of recovery. "Currently, neither the private doctors nor the medical board has asserted that this sickness is life threatening," the court said.

The court noted that Goyal was accused of a serious offence of laundering over Rs 500 crore and being an influential person, he poses a risk to the case if bail was granted. The judge, however, clarified that denial of interim bail was not a refusal of medical aid, but it was a measure to prevent potential abuse of the investigation process.

"Prima facie, it appears that the malignancy is at a preliminary stage and has not spread to the entire body yet. While Tata Hospital was considered to be one of the best for cancer treatments, it was up to Goyal to choose a hospital for his treatment," the court said.

The court directed the Arthur Road Jail superintendent to arrange adequate staff at the hospital to keep vigilance on Goyal and also directed concerned doctors to submit reports on Goyal's condition and treatment twice a month.

Goyal was arrested by Enforcement Directorate in September 2023, for alleged money laundering and siphoning off loans to the tune of Rs 538.62 crore given to Jet Airways by Canara Bank.

The money laundering case stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita and some former executives in connection with the alleged bank fraud.

(With PTI inputs)