Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)

New Delhi, Jul 9: On Tuesday, a Delhi High court restricted the Jet Airways founder, Naresh Goyal and his wife from flying abroad. Justice Suresh Kait stressed that there will be no interim relief to Goyal, and if he wants to fly abroad, a sum of Rs 18,000 core should be deposited.

Goyal is keen on submitting a plea to lift his travel ban, although it is highly unlikely that government will pay any heed to the plea. Further, the high court will take up the matter for hearing on August 23.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Goyal, argued that the couple was deboarded even when they did not have any charges booked against them for leaving the country. Singh argued that since the couple has an NRI status, travelling to London for a certain period is required. He also stated that prior to July 6 there was no case against Goyal. Only when it came to hearing, he was given a summon from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to appear before it on July 10.

Singh added that Goyal was flying abroad to arrange funds for the airline group. In the plea, Goyal claimed the Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him by SFIO which operates under Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The same ministry had also found severe irregularities in the functioning of the airlines which subsequently resulted in the shutting down of the Jet Airways operations in April. A probe is already underway by SFIO at the order of the ministry to look into the affairs of Jet Airways.

As of today, Goyal and his wife are no longer part of the board of Jet Airways. Goyal, also resigned as chairman of the company in March.