Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her petition before the Supreme Court of India challenging the legal proceedings initiated against her in the high-profile Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The latest legal development marks another significant chapter in one of the most widely discussed celebrity cases in recent years.
According to reports, the Supreme Court permitted the actress to withdraw her special leave petition after the matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s Challenge to Legal Proceedings Comes to an End
Jacqueline Fernandez had approached the apex court after the Delhi High Court declined to dismiss the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) prosecution complaint and the trial court’s order framing charges against her under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
With the withdrawal of the petition, the legal proceedings against the actress will now continue before the designated trial court.
The development has drawn significant attention due to the case’s high-profile nature and its association with alleged financial crimes involving luxury gifts, celebrity connections, and money laundering allegations.
Why Was the Case Reassigned?
The matter was initially scheduled to be heard by a bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar. However, Justice Mishra recused himself from the proceedings after informing the parties that his son had previously represented the government in a related matter.
Following the recusal, the case was reassigned to the bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, who subsequently allowed Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw her plea.
Jacqueline Fernandez Continues to Deny All Allegations
Earlier this month, Jacqueline Fernandez appeared before the Patiala House Court in Delhi and pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against her under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The actress informed the court that she intends to contest the allegations during the trial process.
The trial court has also framed charges against Sukesh Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul, and several other accused individuals involved in the case. All the accused have denied the allegations and opted to face trial.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for July 16.
Jacqueline Recently Withdrew Her Approver Application
The latest legal development comes shortly after Jacqueline Fernandez withdrew her application seeking to become an approver in the case.
According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate opposed her request, alleging that her cooperation during the investigation was unsatisfactory. The agency further claimed that she did not make a complete and truthful disclosure during statements recorded under relevant provisions of the PMLA.
The ED has also alleged that Jacqueline remained in contact with Sukesh Chandrashekhar even after becoming aware of allegations surrounding his activities.
What Are the Allegations Against Sukesh Chandrashekhar?
The Enforcement Directorate alleges that Sukesh Chandrashekhar gifted Jacqueline Fernandez luxury items and valuables worth approximately Rs 7 crore, allegedly purchased using proceeds generated from criminal activities.
However, Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The actress has maintained that she had no knowledge of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal background or the source of funds used to purchase the gifts.
The money laundering investigation stems from allegations that Chandrashekhar defrauded the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh of nearly Rs 200 crore.
Legal Battle Continues
As the case moves forward, all eyes remain on the upcoming court proceedings. The Jacqueline Fernandez-Sukesh Chandrashekhar case continues to attract nationwide attention due to its intersection of Bollywood, financial crime investigations, and high-profile legal proceedings.
While the allegations remain under judicial examination, Jacqueline Fernandez has reiterated her intention to contest the charges and establish her innocence through the legal process. The source of this news is From Bollywood Hungama.