Naresh Goyal moves Bombay High Court for bail in PMLA case

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal seeking bail in a money laundering case arising from loan default. .Goyal is presently hospitalised at HN Reliance private hospital for treatment of cancer.He was denied permanent bail on medical grounds by a special court on April 10, 2024.Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Goyal, informed the High Court today that Goyal's wife is also suffering from cancer and is critical. He prayed that bail be granted bail on humanitarian grounds under Article 21 of the Constitution so that he can be with his wife. .Single-judge Justice NJ Jamadar sought the response of ED and posted the matter for hearing on May 3. .Goyal had initially approached the sessions court for bail. The special judge then permitted him to consult private doctors for a medical checkup.Based on these medical reports, Goyal sought interim medical bail since the check-up revealed malignant tumors.The special judge permitted Goyal to be hospitalised for two months to avail cancer treatment.However, his plea for permanent bail on medical grounds came to be rejected in April, though Goyal was allowed to remain in hospital for treatment..This led to the present plea before the High Court.As per the plea, limiting his bail to stay in hospital would mean that he will not be able to meet his wife who was critically ill. "Goyal is the primary caregiver to his wife and she should be accompanied by her husband for further treatment and decision making of the treatment", the application filed through law firm Naik Naik & Co said. "While they both battle life threatening conditions, they must be permitted to provide each other succor as the other's primary care giver. The right to life under Article 21 of the constitution cannot be curtailed or suspended merely for a person is accused of an economic offence", the petition stated. Goyal also highlighted exploring alternative treatment for himself. "This he cannot explore sitting in the hospital. During and after chemotherapy, he will require clean sterile environment and he cannot be sent back to jail," the petition emphasized. .Salve appeared along with team from Naik Naik & Co including Managing Partner Ameet Naik and Partner Abhishek Kale.