ED opposes bail, says Naresh Goyal already in hospital

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court (HC) has reserved its decision on the interim bail plea filed by Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. A bench of justice NJ Jamadar will pronounce the order on May 6, 2024. Goyal, who is battling cancer, had petitioned the court earlier this week seeking bail on humanitarian grounds after a special court rejected his application for permanent medical bail on April 10, 2024. Despite the denial, the court allowed him to undergo medical treatment at HN Reliance private hospital, where he is currently receiving care.

During the hearing, Goyal’s counsel, senior advocate Harish Salve, appealed on humanitarian grounds, citing not only Goyal’s physical difficulties but also the mental strain caused by his wife’s similar health condition. Salve expressed Goyal’s desire to be with his wife during her final days, noting his decision to undergo chemotherapy instead of more invasive surgery to be by her side.

Anita Goel’s health has deteriorated despite treatment, with medical reports indicating third-stage cancer. Salve highlighted provisions in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act that consider sickness as grounds for bail, stating, “The infirmity of mind is worse than the infirmity of physical being.”