A special court designated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Saturday assured Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, arrested in connection with a money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), that he will not be "left helpless and all possible care of his mental and physical health will be taken with proper treatment". Special judge M G Deshpande, after hearing Goyal, who appeared in person for some time, directed his lawyers to take appropriate steps pertaining to his illness. The court also assured him that 'everything regarding his health will be taken care of'. The court extended judicial custody of Goyal till January 16. The special court was hearing a bail plea by Goyal filed last month. Goyal (74), who was arrested on September 1, 2023, had claimed in his bail plea that he had not siphoned off loan money for personal benefits as alleged by the ED in its case of alleged laundering of a Rs 538.62-crore loan given to the airline by Canara Bank. He had denied allegations that his family members were appointed and funds were diverted towards their salaries and said the same was approved by the independent board and audit committee of the company and he had no role in it. On November 7, the Bombay High Court dismissed Goyal's plea challenging his arrest by ED. On Saturday, senior advocate Aabad Ponda made submissions seeking Goyal's release on bail and said his client's physical and mental condition is "really not well and requires concern". After Goyal insisted on attending the court, the judge allowed the jail authority to produce him in person to make 'personal submissions'. The court noted that Goyal came before it with 'continuous tremors in his whole body and hands'. Goyal submitted that his health condition was "precarious" due to several ailments and there was no use of referring him to state-run J J Hospital as his journey to hospital was "troublesome, hectic and tedious which he cannot bear and sustain". Goyal submitted that his wife Anita had advanced stage chronic ailment and was undergoing treatment and there was none to look after her as their only daughter was also suffering from health issues. Goyal said he had "lost every hope of life" and "better he should die rather keeping him alive in such a situation" and "he had no hope for any future". The court took note of Goyal's submissions and assured that he will be ensured proper treatment. Seeking compliance of its order on proper steps by Goyal's lawyers related to his health, the court posted further hearing in bail plea to January 16.
