Jacqueline Fernandez Set for Trial as Delhi Court Moves Forward with ED’s Rs 200 Crore Money Laundering Case
On May 30, 2026, a Delhi court has ordered the initiation of criminal proceedings against actress Jacqueliene Fernandez, conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, and 15 other individuals in a significant money laundering case involving Rs 200 crores. The court’s decision paves the way for a formal trial, which is set to begin following the defendants’ court appearances this week. The ruling underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Charges Framed Against Accused
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma stated that the evidence gathered during the investigation provided a solid foundation for the prosecution. The judge noted that there is sufficient material to raise strong suspicions against all accused parties. The court has determined that Fernandez and her co-defendants are liable for prosecution under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which carries penalties under Section 4 of the same legislation. All accused individuals have been ordered to appear in court on June 3 for the formal signing and framing of charges.
Legal Arguments Dismissed
Fernandez’s legal team had argued that she was an unwitting victim in the case, claiming that she should not face prosecution under the PMLA since she was not named in the original extortion charges filed by the Delhi Police. However, the court rejected this defense, stating that individuals can be prosecuted under anti-money laundering laws regardless of their involvement in the core scheduled offense. The judge emphasized that Fernandez’s own statements indicated her regular interactions with Chandrashekar and her acceptance of significant financial gifts, which implicates her in the misuse of illicit funds.
Background of the Case
The ongoing investigation is part of a broader inquiry into an organized criminal network led by Sukesh Chandrashekar, who was initially arrested by the Delhi Police in 2017 and later by the ED in 2021. Prosecutors allege that Chandrashekar orchestrated an extortion scheme from within prison, utilizing spoofed calls and encrypted messaging applications to impersonate high-ranking government officials. This elaborate scheme reportedly led to the complainant, Aditi Singh, being defrauded of over Rs 200 crores.
Recent Developments
The court’s decision comes shortly after it allowed Fernandez to withdraw her application to become an approver in the ongoing investigation. The ED opposed her request, arguing that her active participation and ongoing communication with Chandrashekar disqualified her from seeking such status. As the case unfolds, the implications for Fernandez and her co-defendants remain significant, with the trial expected to draw considerable public and media attention.
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