Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal in Court
Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, accused of defrauding Canara Bank, appeared in a special court in Mumbai on January 6, expressing a loss of hope for life. Goyal, facing health issues, stated that his condition is very poor, suggesting that it would be better if he died in jail. During the proceedings, he emotionally mentioned missing his wife Anita, who is in the last stage of cancer. The judge assured Goyal that he would not be left destitute and would receive necessary care and treatment.
Bail Application and Emotional Testimony in Court
Naresh Goyal, accused of a Rs 538 crore bank fraud, filed a bail application before Special Judge MG Deshpande. He requested a personal hearing during the proceedings, which the judge accepted. Goyal’s emotional testimony included expressions of despair and his concern for his ailing wife. Despite his charges, the judge committed to ensuring Goyal’s mental and physical health care during his judicial custody.
Key Points from the Judge’s Response
The judge observed Naresh Goyal’s trembling body and acknowledged the need for physical support. He listened carefully to Goyal’s story and assured him that he would not be left destitute. The judge committed to providing comprehensive care and treatment for Goyal’s mental and physical well-being.
Overview of the Allegations Against Jet Airways and Naresh Goyal
- Financial Irregularities and Raids:
- Jet Airways received a credit limit and loan of Rs 848.86 crore, with Rs 538.62 crore outstanding.
- The account was declared fraudulent on July 29, 2021.
- On May 5, the CBI conducted searches at various locations, including Goyal’s office and residences.
- ED registered a money laundering case on July 19 based on the CBI’s FIR and conducted raids on Goyal’s house and associates.
- Bank’s Allegations of Manipulation:
- Canara Bank claimed that a forensic audit revealed Jet Airways transferred Rs 1,410.41 crore to its affiliates.
- Allegations suggest this was done to withdraw money from the company’s account.
- Jet Airways covered the personal expenses of the Goyal family, including staff salaries, phone bills, and vehicle expenses.
- Goyal’s Background:
- Naresh Goyal founded Jet Airways in 1993.
- He resigned as the airline chairman in 2019.
Jet Airways Closure and Insolvency Resolution
Jet Airways, once a major player in India’s private airline industry and the largest in South Asian countries, ceased operations on April 17, 2019, due to a substantial debt burden.
Revival Efforts Underway After Consortium Wins Bid
In June 2021, the Jalan-Kalrok consortium, a joint venture between Murari Lal Jalan and Calrock Capital, won the bid for Jet Airways through the National Company Law Tribunal’s insolvency resolution process. Despite ongoing efforts to revive the airline, it has not been relaunched as of now.
Origins and Rise of Jet Airways under Naresh Goyal
In the early 1990s, Naresh Goyal, a former ticketing agent turned entrepreneur, founded Jet Airways India Limited, providing an alternative to Air India. At its peak, Jet operated 650 flights daily with 120 aircraft, earning the tagline ‘The Joy of Flying.’ However, by March 2019, the company’s losses had reached Rs 5,535.75 crore, and it closed down in April 2019.
Naresh Goyal’s Journey and the Financial Crisis
Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, began his career as a cashier in his maternal uncle’s travel agency in 1967, earning an initial salary of 300 rupees. Facing a financial crisis in his family at the age of 11, Goyal had to auction his house and subsequently lived with his maternal uncle. Despite the challenges, he ventured into the travel business after graduation, working with GSA for Lebanese International Airlines and establishing his travel agency.
