In a significant development in the ongoing ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the Delhi High Court has dismissed the plea filed by Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The actress had sought to quash the First Information Report (FIR) and the second supplementary chargesheet filed against her by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), along with halting the proceedings in the trial court.
Plea Rejection of Jacqueline Fernandez
Jacqueline Fernandez faced a significant legal blow on Thursday, July 3, as the Delhi High Court dismissed her plea to quash the criminal proceedings in the ₹200 crore money laundering case. Justice Anish Dayal pronounced the order, effectively denying the Bollywood actor’s request to halt the trial currently underway before a Delhi trial court. This decision means that the case against Fernandez will now proceed as scheduled, and she will have to face the charges in the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court.
According to the ED’s second supplementary chargesheet, Jacqueline Fernandez received extravagant presents from alleged scamster Sukesh Chandrasekhar and was formally named as an accused. These gifts, according to the agency, were financed through money extorted from Aditi Singh, the wife of a prominent businessman.
Defense from Jacqueline Fernandez and ED’s Counter Arguments
Throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently maintained her innocence. In her defense, it was argued that she had no idea the luxurious items provided by Sukesh were financed through illegal proceeds. They contend that she was herself a victim of Chandrasekhar’s manipulative schemes, who allegedly posed as a high-ranking government official to defraud her and others.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Aggarwal, representing Fernandez, argued before the High Court that merely being a celebrity should not automatically implicate someone in a crime. He emphasized that Sukesh Chandrasekhar was introduced to her as a legitimate businessman, and therefore, the ED’s interpretation of her association as money laundering was flawed. Aggarwal had previously stated, “Today, I am paying the price of being a celebrity,” highlighting the perceived unfairness of the situation.
Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain, representing the ED, firmly contested Fernandez’s petition in court. The agency argued that Fernandez continued to accept luxury gifts from Sukesh even after she reportedly became aware of his criminal past. The ED also stressed that a special court had already taken cognizance of the chargesheets, establishing a prima facie case against her, and that this cognizance order had not been challenged by the actress.
Case to Proceed in Trial Court
The decision marks a significant development, as it clears the path for the trial court to proceed with the case against her without further procedural delays from her side.
The broader case involves alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is accused of orchestrating a massive extortion racket from inside Tihar Jail, defrauding individuals of crores of rupees. Chandrasekhar and his wife, Leena Maria Paulose, have been arrested in connection with the money laundering case and are also facing charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The ED’s investigation has revealed a complex web of financial transactions, shell companies, and hawala routes used to launder the ill-gotten gains.
Her involvement in the case has been a subject of intense media scrutiny and public discussion, impacting her professional endorsements and film projects. As the trial proceeds, all eyes will remain on the legal developments and the eventual outcome for the Bollywood star. The case underscores the serious implications of financial crimes and the rigorous process of investigation and prosecution under anti-money laundering laws in India.
