Jacqueline Fernandez Drops Supreme Court Appeal in Rs 200 Crore Money Laundering Case
Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has officially withdrawn her special leave petition from the Supreme Court, which challenged the proceedings initiated against her in the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. On Thursday, a Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi permitted the actor to withdraw her petition after it was brought before the court for hearing.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Jacqueline’s petition aimed to contest the Delhi High Court’s refusal to quash the ED’s prosecution complaint and the trial court’s order that framed charges against her under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). With the withdrawal of her petition, the legal proceedings against the actor will now proceed in the trial court.
The case was initially scheduled to be heard by a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Atul S. Chandurkar on June 11. However, Justice Mishra recused himself from the case, citing that his son had represented the government in a related matter. Following this recusal, the case was reassigned to Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi.
Jacqueline’s Plea and Charges
Earlier this month, Jacqueline appeared before the Patiala House Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against her under the PMLA. She expressed her intention to contest the allegations during the trial. The trial court has also framed money laundering charges against Sukesh Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul, and 14 others. All accused have denied the charges and opted to face trial.
The next hearing in the trial court is scheduled for July 16, where further proceedings will take place. This latest development follows Jacqueline’s recent withdrawal of her application to become an approver in the case. The ED opposed her request, arguing that her conduct during the investigation was unsatisfactory and that she did not fully cooperate.
Allegations of Luxury Gifts
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Sukesh Chandrashekhar gifted Jacqueline luxury items and valuables worth approximately Rs 7 crore, which were purportedly acquired through proceeds of crime from the alleged money laundering operation. Jacqueline has consistently denied any involvement in these alleged offences. She maintains that she was unaware of Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal activities and did not know the source of the funds used to purchase the gifts.
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