Actor Jacqueline Fernandez Withdraws From Supreme Court Plea Against Order Framing Charge In 200-Crore Money Laundering Case

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez today withdrew from the Supreme Court her plea challenging trial proceedings in the Rs.200 crore money laundering case registered against her (and others) by the Enforcement Directorate.

A partial Court working days bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the case as withdrawn after counsel for Fernandez made the prayer for withdrawal with liberty to avail appropriate remedies available in law.

To recap, the underlying case originated from a complaint filed by one Aditi Singh in August 2021, alleging that she had been cheated of nearly Rs. 200 crores by a syndicate led by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar who impersonated senior government officials while operating from jail. Based on the predicate offence registered by Delhi Police, the Enforcement Directorate lodged a money-laundering case under the PMLA.

According to the ED, Sukesh used the proceeds of crime to purchase luxury gifts and benefits for several celebrities. Fernandez was alleged to have received gifts and benefits worth about Rs. 5.71 crore, including luxury bags, jewellery, watches, vehicles for family members, foreign fund transfers and other expensive items.

On May 30 this year, the Special Court framed charges against Sukesh, Fernandez and other accused. Aggrieved by the order, Fernandez approached the Supreme Court.

Earlier, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra recused from the present case while disclosing that his son had appeared for the government in a connected matter. Prior to that, Fernandez also moved pleas for quashing of the money laundering case, but the same were dismissed by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

The Delhi High Court noted that as per ED's case, Fernandez continued to receive and enjoy the above benefits despite being aware of Sukesh's criminal antecedents. She on the other hand maintained that she was deceived by Sukesh and had no knowledge that the gifts were proceeds of crime.

Case Title: JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ Versus DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT, SLP(Crl) No. 11208/2026