Mumbai: Even as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) expressed fears that he may tamper with the properties or evidence abroad, a special PMLA court on Tuesday permitted Jet Airways founder and accused in the Rs 538 crore money laundering case, Naresh Goyal, to travel to London for four weeks to seek specialised medical treatment for life-threatening ailments.There is nothing on record to show that the applicant has misused the liberty (bail) granted to him and committed a breach of the conditions. The right to travel abroad to seek an expert opinion and reassessment of a medical condition for a person suffering from various ailments is a basis human right and is an aspect of fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of India,” the special judge said.The judge further noted that the ED’s apprehension can be taken care of by imposing conditions. To facilitate his travel to London, the court has ordered the release of Goyal’s passport for renewal and visa processing, subject to a security deposit of Rs 2 lakh and the submission of a detailed itinerary, including contact information, to the investigating officer. The conditions of this travel require Goyal to refrain from tampering with any evidence related to his PMLA case abroad and to return to India immediately upon request by the ED or if the trial reaches the stage of framing charges. Further, he must surrender his passport to the authorities and report his arrival to the court and the investigating officer the moment he returns to the country. The order allows Goyal to travel to the United Kingdom for medical consultation, check-up, and treatment evaluation, specifically to consult with international experts regarding a malignant neuroendocrine tumour. “The contentions of the applicant have been supported by the medical papers and medical opinion. The applicant intends to travel to London for an expert consultation for reassessment of diagnosis and formulation of an optimal treatment strategy, including consideration of advanced therapies to prevent deterioration of his medical condition and to explore appropriate treatment options,” the judge said.Arrested in Sept 2023, Goyal was granted bail in 2024 as he is suffering from cancer. His lawyer submitted that he has availed treatment in India but there is no improvement in his medical condition.The prosecution strongly opposed the plea because Goyal is the “prime orchestrator, ultimate controlling party, and primary beneficiary of a colossal financial fraud involving the systematic siphoning, diversion and laundering of public funds obtained as loans by Jet Airways (India) Limited (JIL) from Canara Bank.” It was submitted that the total admitted claims of the consortium of banks were approximately Rs 5,716.34 crore. “The applicant, having systematically looted public money to finance an ultra-luxurious lifestyle and acquire high- value foreign assets, cannot now claim the privilege of international travel under the guise of a medical consultation. The proceeds of crime were systematically utilised to acquire ultra-luxury properties abroad, including London and Dubai (UAE),” the prosecution submitted.
