LI Network
Published on: 17 September 2023 at 17:43 IST
Jet Airways’ founder and former chairman, Naresh Goyal, has taken legal action by approaching the Bombay High Court to contest his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case involving Rs. 538 crore.
A division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Gauri Godse is scheduled to hear petition on September 20.
Goyal is challenging not only his arrest but also the orders issued by the special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) that resulted in his custody being transferred to the ED and subsequently to judicial custody.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Canara Bank in November of the previous year with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The complaint alleged offenses such as cheating, criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and criminal misconduct by Naresh Goyal.
Based on the bank’s complaint, the CBI registered an FIR in May of the current year, alleging that loans exceeding Rs. 848 crore were granted to Jet Airways (India) Ltd, with an outstanding balance of over Rs. 538 crore.
Goyal was detained by the ED for questioning while en route to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). After a day-long interrogation, the ED arrested him on September 1.
Subsequently, he was presented before a special court, which ordered his custody to the ED until September 14. On September 14, he was further remanded to judicial custody for a period of two weeks, extending until September 29, 2023.
Case Number: WP/3162/2023
Case Title: Naresh Goyal v. Directorate of Enforcement