Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has suffered a major legal setback after the Enforcement Directorate strongly opposed her plea to become an approver in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
During a hearing at the Patiala House Court in Delhi, the Enforcement Directorate argued that Jacqueline Fernandez was not a minor or passive beneficiary in the case but instead an “active participant” who knowingly enjoyed the proceeds of crime. The agency urged the court to reject her application seeking approver status, saying such relief would undermine the seriousness of the alleged offences.
The case has remained one of India’s most high-profile money laundering investigations because of its links to celebrity names, luxury gifts, financial fraud allegations, and claims involving fake political influence.
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma directed Fernandez to submit her response to the ED’s objections and scheduled the next hearing for May 12.
ED Says Jacqueline Knew About Sukesh’s Criminal Background
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Jacqueline Fernandez remained in “regular and sustained” contact with Sukesh Chandrashekhar even after allegedly becoming aware of his criminal background.
The agency claimed that the actor knowingly accepted expensive gifts, luxury items, and financial benefits allegedly purchased using illegally acquired funds. In its submission before the court, the ED stated that Fernandez and her family members enjoyed the “proceeds of crime”, making her a significant beneficiary in the alleged laundering network.
The ED further argued that Jacqueline’s attempt to portray herself as a victim is “self-serving” and inconsistent with evidence collected during the investigation.
Investigators alleged that Sukesh Chandrashekhar carefully arranged luxury gifts and benefits for the actor using money generated through criminal activities. Reports linked to the case have previously mentioned expensive cars, designer accessories, jewellery, and international luxury items allegedly gifted to Fernandez.
The agency also emphasized that granting approver status to Jacqueline could dilute the gravity of the case and negatively affect the prosecution process.
Allegations of Incomplete Cooperation During Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate additionally accused Jacqueline Fernandez of not fully cooperating during the investigation.
According to the agency, the actor allegedly failed to make complete and truthful disclosures during the five statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
However, Fernandez has consistently maintained that she cooperated with investigators and appeared before the ED multiple times whenever summoned. Her legal team has argued that she herself was misled and manipulated by Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who allegedly projected himself as a powerful and influential businessman with high-level political connections.
The case originally began with allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar impersonated a senior government official connected to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Home Ministry to extort nearly ₹200 crore from businesswoman Aditi Singh.
Investigators claim the fraud continued for several months and involved elaborate deception, fake identities, and misuse of influence.
The Enforcement Directorate initially filed its prosecution complaint in December 2021 against several accused persons without naming Jacqueline Fernandez. However, in August 2022, the agency filed a supplementary complaint and formally included the actor as an accused in the money laundering case.
Delhi High Court Earlier Refused to Quash Proceedings
The legal troubles for Jacqueline Fernandez deepened further after the Delhi High Court previously dismissed her petition seeking to quash the proceedings against her.
The court had refused to interfere with the ongoing investigation, allowing the ED’s case to continue.
Now, with the Enforcement Directorate opposing her approver plea, the actor faces another major challenge in her ongoing legal battle.
The controversy has generated massive public and media attention because of the involvement of a leading Bollywood celebrity and the scale of the alleged financial crime.
At the same time, the case has sparked wider debates over celebrity accountability, financial due diligence, and the legal consequences of accepting luxury gifts from individuals later accused of serious criminal offences.
Despite the allegations, Jacqueline Fernandez has not been convicted in the matter and continues to defend herself legally. The court proceedings are expected to play a crucial role in determining her future legal standing in the high-profile money laundering investigation.
As the hearing continues, all eyes remain on the Patiala House Court, where the next phase of arguments could significantly impact the trajectory of one of India’s most talked-about celebrity legal cases.
