The Special PMLA Court in Mapusa, North Goa, has allowed accused Newton Muthuri Kimani, a 26-year-old foreign national facing trial under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), to travel to Bengaluru to resume his Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) studies.
Newton Kimani, who enrolled in the M.Pharm program for the 2022–2023 academic year, had completed his first two semesters before being remanded to judicial custody at the Modern Colvale Jail in Goa due to ongoing PMLA proceedings and a related Sessions trial.
After obtaining bail from the High Court on 25 November 2025, Kimani sought permission from the Special Court to relocate to Bengaluru for his third and fourth semesters.
The Enforcement Directorate strongly opposed the application, contending that there was a risk the accused might abscond or evade legal processes if allowed to reside outside the state.
Kimani maintained that he is eager to complete his higher education and committed to complying with all bail conditions, including monthly reporting to the ED.
Rejecting the prosecution’s objections as to maintainability and prejudice, the Special Court observed that the High Court had vested discretion in the trial court to evaluate travel requests. The court further noted that denying higher education solely on apprehension would adversely affect a young person's career and future.
Allowing Kimani to relocate to Bengaluru for study, the court ordered that he must continue reporting to the ED on the first Monday of every month, as ordered by the High Court, and must appear before the Special Court via video conferencing at every trial hearing. His passport will remain in court custody. The Bureau of Immigration and other relevant authorities were directed to ensure he does not leave the country without express court permission. The court warned that any breach of these conditions or misuse of the permission would lead to immediate revocation of the relief granted.
