New Delhi, September 22, 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea seeking quashing of the ongoing ₹200 crore money laundering case connected to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar.
A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice AG Masih refused to interfere at this stage but granted liberty to Fernandez to approach the Court again at an appropriate stage during trial proceedings.
Background of the Case
Jacqueline Fernandez had earlier moved the Delhi High Court to quash the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) ECIR and the supplementary charge sheet that named her as the 10th accused. The High Court, however, dismissed her plea in July 2025, prompting her to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court.
Her plea argued that she was an “innocent victim” of Sukesh’s fraudulent schemes and malicious intent, pointing out that even the ED had admitted Sukesh enjoyed illegal access to mobile phones inside Tihar jail, which he used to mislead multiple celebrities and business figures.
Supreme Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Fernandez, submitted that the prosecution’s case was essentially that she should have exercised greater caution while accepting expensive gifts from Sukesh. He argued that there was no evidence to prove that Fernandez had knowledge that these gifts were proceeds of crime, and further contended that the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary judgment clarified that “knowledge” and “mens rea” are essential elements under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
However, Justice Datta emphasized that at the stage of framing of charges, the Court is bound to proceed on the basis of the allegations made. He remarked:
“Take it as, they were two very close friends and now if one friend gives something to the other friend, ultimately if it is found that the other person is involved in a predicate offence, it becomes difficult. Vijay Madanlal has already considered this issue, and we are bound by it.”
The Court clarified that its dismissal of Fernandez’s plea would not prejudice her defense during trial, and that the Special Court will be free to independently assess her case at the stage of framing of charges.
High Court’s Earlier Findings
The Delhi High Court, while dismissing Fernandez’s plea in July, had observed that her apprehension regarding self-incrimination was not sufficient ground for quashing the proceedings. The Court further stated that questions of knowledge, intent, and complicity under the PMLA are factual matters that can only be decided after a full trial.
The High Court had also noted that “turning a blind eye to obvious illegality” could amount to knowledge under PMLA, a determination that requires appreciation of evidence at trial.
Current Status
With the Supreme Court’s dismissal, Fernandez will now have to face trial as an accused in the money laundering case, though she retains the liberty to raise her defenses at subsequent stages.
Case Details
- Case Title: Jacqueline Fernandez v. Directorate of Enforcement
- Case No.: SLP (Crl) No. 14759/2025
- For Petitioner: Sr. Adv. Mukul Rohatgi; AoR Sumeer Sodhi
- For Respondent: Directorate of Enforcement
