The Supreme Court of India on Monday refused to quash the Enforcement Directorate’s case against Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The decision comes as a major setback for the actress, who has consistently maintained that she has no connection with alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
The bench declined to interfere with the Delhi High Court’s earlier order, which had dismissed Fernandez’s plea seeking cancellation of the case. This means that proceedings against the actress in the ₹200 crore money laundering case will continue.
Supreme Court Declines to Intervene
The matter was heard by a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented Jacqueline Fernandez before the apex court. The bench, however, made it clear that it would not intervene at this stage.
The judges stated that they were not inclined to interfere with the High Court’s decision. The ruling means the Enforcement Directorate’s case will proceed as planned, and the actress will continue to face investigation.
Petition Filed by Jacqueline Fernandez
Jacqueline Fernandez had filed her petition through advocate Sumeer Sodhi. She had challenged the Delhi High Court’s order dated July 3, in which her request to quash the Enforcement Directorate’s case was dismissed.
In her plea, Fernandez reiterated that she had no role in the money laundering allegations linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar. She argued that the case was unfair and that her name was being dragged into a matter with which she had no connection.
ED Case Linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a ₹200 crore money laundering case against Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Jacqueline Fernandez has been named as an accused in connection with the case.
According to officials, the actress was questioned several times by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged transactions and gifts she received. The agency maintains that Fernandez benefited from assets linked to the proceeds of crime.
Delhi Police earlier accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar of defrauding Aditi Singh and Shivani Singh, the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh. Chandrashekhar allegedly cheated them out of ₹200 crore.
High Court’s Earlier Decision
The Delhi High Court had already rejected Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea to cancel the Enforcement Directorate case. The court held that the case had sufficient grounds for investigation and could not be dismissed at an early stage.
The High Court’s decision was a significant blow to Fernandez, who had hoped for relief. By refusing to interfere, the Supreme Court has now strengthened that position.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s Defense
Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently denied any wrongdoing. She has maintained that her interactions with Sukesh Chandrashekhar were not linked to any financial crime. The actress has argued that her name is being unfairly associated with the case.
Her legal team has stressed that she has cooperated fully with the Enforcement Directorate. Fernandez has appeared for questioning several times and has provided her version of events. She insists that the gifts and transactions mentioned in the case cannot be used to implicate her in money laundering.
Role of Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented Fernandez before the Supreme Court. He argued that the actress should not be prosecuted when she had no role in the crime itself. Rohatgi highlighted that Fernandez has already suffered reputational damage due to her name being linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
Despite his arguments, the bench chose not to interfere at this stage. The judges suggested that the investigation should proceed without judicial interference from the Supreme Court.
Enforcement Directorate’s Position
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Jacqueline Fernandez accepted gifts and benefits from Sukesh Chandrashekhar. These assets are suspected to have been acquired using funds obtained through fraud. The agency considers such acceptance as part of money laundering activity.
The Enforcement Directorate has questioned Fernandez multiple times and has even attached some of her assets in connection with the case. Officials insist that her involvement must be investigated thoroughly before any relief can be considered.
Impact on Jacqueline Fernandez’s Career
The legal battle has already had an impact on Jacqueline Fernandez’s career. The actress, known for her roles in Bollywood films, has faced public scrutiny ever since her name appeared in connection with the case.
Film producers and brands have reportedly hesitated to associate with her due to the ongoing investigation. While Fernandez continues to work, the cloud of the Enforcement Directorate case has overshadowed her professional life.
Public and Political Reactions
The case against Jacqueline Fernandez has attracted widespread media coverage. Public opinion remains divided, with some expressing sympathy for the actress while others argue that accountability must be ensured.
The involvement of Sukesh Chandrashekhar, already infamous for multiple fraud cases, has only heightened public interest. Political figures have occasionally weighed in, calling for stricter action against financial crime.
The Larger ₹200 Crore Money Laundering Case
The ₹200 crore case is one of the most high-profile investigations handled by the Enforcement Directorate in recent years. At the center is Sukesh Chandrashekhar, accused of orchestrating large-scale fraud against wealthy business families.
The case has also highlighted how celebrities can become entangled in financial scandals due to their association with controversial figures. Fernandez’s alleged receipt of expensive gifts has been a focal point of the probe.
Legal Challenges Ahead
With the Supreme Court refusing to intervene, Jacqueline Fernandez now faces a prolonged legal battle. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation will continue, and the actress may face further questioning or charges.
Her legal team will likely explore other options as the case progresses. However, the current trajectory suggests that Fernandez’s attempt to exit the case early has failed.
Broader Implications of the Case
The case raises broader questions about celebrity accountability and financial transparency. It has become a reminder that even high-profile individuals are not immune from investigation when linked to suspicious financial activities.
For the Enforcement Directorate, the case represents a high-stakes effort to demonstrate its resolve against large-scale money laundering. For Jacqueline Fernandez, it represents an ongoing fight to protect her reputation and career.
The next stages of the investigation will be crucial. The Enforcement Directorate will continue to examine financial transactions, assets, and connections linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Fernandez will likely remain under scrutiny as the case develops.
While she maintains her innocence, the legal process is expected to take considerable time. Until then, Jacqueline Fernandez’s name will remain tied to one of the largest money laundering cases in recent memory.
