Is Jacqueline Fernandez in Hot Water? Delhi HC Rejects Her Plea in ₹200 Crore Money Laundering Case

In a major turn of events, the Delhi High Court has dismissed Jacqueline Fernandez’s petition seeking to quash an Enforcement Directorate (ED) FIR and chargesheet against her in connection with the ₹200 crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

🔍 Key Highlights of the Decision

• Justice Anish Dayal ruled against Jacqueline’s plea to nullify the FIR and the second supplementary chargesheet filed by ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

• The court emphasized that a special court had already taken cognizance of the case and found sufficient grounds to continue the trial, making Jacqueline’s petition untenable.

• The ED had named Jacqueline in the chargesheet after she allegedly received lavish gifts from Sukesh, the accused behind the ₹200 crore scam involving funds siphoned from the spouses of ex-Ranbaxy promoters.

⚖️ What Jacqueline Claimed

• Her legal team argued that she was completely unaware that the luxury gifts—now deemed proceeds of crime—originated from illegal funds. They maintained she was merely a recipient, not a participant, in any money laundering scheme.

• Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal submitted that Jacqueline was portrayed as a victim, not a conspirator, and seeking justice for a celebrity should not amount to complicity.

🏛️ The ED’s Rebuttal

• The Enforcement Directorate argued that Jacqueline continued to accept and enjoy these gifts even after she was aware of Sukesh’s criminal status. It also cited that the Delhi trial court had already taken formal cognizance.

• ED’s counsel took a firm stance, claiming Jacqueline’s petition was a tactic to delay the judicial process.

🔮 What Happens Next?

• With her plea dismissed, Jacqueline will now face continued trial proceedings in the Delhi court.

• The court’s refusal to quash the case means she remains officially accused, and her next legal moves will be closely watched.

The detailed judgement is expected soon, and its release may shed light on how this high-profile case will proceed from here.