By: The Trek News Desk
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her petition from the Supreme Court in connection with the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar. The plea had challenged a Delhi court order directing that charges be framed against her in the ongoing investigation.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed Fernandez to withdraw her Special Leave Petition (SLP) and granted her liberty to pursue any other legal remedies available under the law. The matter was heard by a bench comprising B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi.
During the hearing, counsel representing Fernandez requested permission to withdraw the petition. The court accepted the request and allowed the actor to seek appropriate legal recourse through other judicial avenues if required.
Fernandez had earlier approached the apex court after challenging an order that cleared the way for trial proceedings against her in the case.
The legal developments stem from a Delhi court order issued on May 30, which directed that charges be framed against Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekar, and several other accused individuals. Subsequently, on June 3, the trial court formally framed charges, paving the way for the commencement of trial proceedings.
In a separate but related matter, authorities have also invoked provisions of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against multiple accused persons.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the money laundering case, had questioned Fernandez on multiple occasions. The agency later named her as an accused in a supplementary charge sheet filed during the course of the investigation.
According to the ED, Fernandez allegedly remained in regular contact with Chandrashekar and received expensive gifts through his associate, Pinky Irani.
Investigators claim that Chandrashekar operated an organised criminal network while lodged in jail. He is accused of impersonating senior government officials and using fake identities, deceptive communication methods, and digital platforms to allegedly extort large sums of money from victims.
The ED has alleged that proceeds of crime exceeding ₹200 crore were generated through activities such as cheating, extortion, impersonation, and criminal intimidation. The agency further claims that the money was subsequently routed through various channels in an attempt to disguise it as legitimate assets.
The case remains under judicial scrutiny, with trial proceedings continuing in the Delhi courts. Further hearings are expected in the coming months as the prosecution and defence present their arguments.
Source: News Agencies
