Actress Jacqueline Fernandez has faced a new legal hurdle in the Rs. Money laundering case of Rs 200 crore related to alleged swindler Sukesh Chandrashekhar. On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed its reply before Delhi’s Patiala House Court, raising strong objection to Jacqueline’s application seeking permission to turn approver in the case.
Jacqueline Fernandez gets a shock as ED opposes her plea to turn approver for Rs. Money laundering case of Rs 200 crore related to Sukesh Chandrashekhar
The actress had recently requested the court to allow her to become a government witness and cooperate with the investigation in the ongoing case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. However, the ED argued that his conduct throughout the investigation did not justify such relief.
According to the agency, Jacqueline’s involvement in this case cannot be seen lightly. In its submission, the ED claimed that the actress was a “significant beneficiary” of the alleged proceeds of crime and had actively participated in the laundering process. The agency further argued that granting him state witness status would dilute the seriousness of the allegations involved in the case.
The ED also said that Jacqueline remained in touch with Sukesh Chandrashekhar despite allegedly knowing about his criminal background. Investigators claimed that expensive gifts, luxury items and financial benefits for the actress were arranged from the proceeds of the alleged crime.
In its reply, the agency further alleged that Jacqueline’s statements recorded during multiple rounds of interrogation under Section 50 of the PMLA were inconsistent and incomplete. The ED said investigators repeatedly confronted him with evidence during the investigation that he allegedly hid information related to cash transactions, expensive gifts, bank transactions and his relations with persons associated with the case, including Pinky Irani.
The agency argued that these actions contradict his claim of being an “unwitting victim” and instead point to conscious participation. It also said that his statement recorded before the court under Section 164 of the CrPC and his willingness to cooperate in the criminal offense did not vitiate his alleged role in the separate offense of money laundering.
The legal proceedings are currently at the debate stage on the allegations. During an earlier hearing on April 17, the Patiala House Court had issued notice to the ED after Jacqueline filed her plea through lawyer Ashish Batra.
This matter has also seen a previous legal battle from the actress’ side. In 2025, the Delhi High Court rejected his petition seeking quashing of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and the supplementary complaint filed against him. His subsequent challenge before the Supreme Court of India was also rejected later that year.
The court has now sought response from Jacqueline Fernandez on ED’s objections, further hearing of the case is to be held soon.
