Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi has been reprimanded by a Delhi court in connection with the ₹200 crore extortion case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The Rouse Avenue Court issued fresh summons directing the actress to appear on November 6 after she did not appear for the hearing scheduled for November 2.
During the proceedings, the court expressed displeasure after Nora's lawyer sought exemption from her personal appearance. The judge reportedly remarked that her conduct was not up to the mark and warned against taking the court for granted.
The development has brought the actress back into the headlines, although it is important to note that Nora has been summoned as a prosecution witness in the case, not as an accused.
Delhi Court Criticises Nora Fatehi's Absence
According to reports, Delhi Police informed the court that Nora Fatehi had been summoned but officials were uncertain whether she would attend the proceedings.
Her lawyer appeared before the court and requested an exemption from her personal presence. However, the court was not satisfied with the request and observed that Nora was a witness who was expected to attend.
The judge reportedly told her counsel, "Her conduct is not up to the mark. Don't take the court for granted."
The court subsequently issued a fresh summons, directing Nora to appear on November 6 to record her evidence.
Her counsel reportedly informed the court that the actress had been told about the summons on October 29. The latest direction makes her appearance on the next scheduled date important for the ongoing proceedings.
What Is the ₹200 Crore Sukesh Chandrasekhar Case?
The case revolves around allegations that Sukesh Chandrasekhar, while lodged in Delhi's Rohini Jail, impersonated senior government officials and extorted approximately ₹200 crore from Aditi Singh, the wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh, during 2020 and 2021.
According to the police investigation, Chandrasekhar allegedly contacted Aditi Singh while posing as a senior government official and promised to help secure her husband's release from jail in exchange for money.
The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing investigated the alleged extortion and filed charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), along with other relevant legal provisions.
The case has attracted considerable attention because of the alleged involvement of several people and its connections with the entertainment industry.
Why Has Nora Fatehi Been Summoned?
Nora Fatehi's name appears in the third supplementary chargesheet filed in the case. She has been listed as a prosecution witness, identified as LW-3.
The actress was previously questioned by the Economic Offences Wing regarding her alleged association with Chandrasekhar and his wife, Leena Maria Paulose.
During questioning, Nora reportedly told investigators that her interactions with Chandrasekhar took place through his wife. She was also questioned about an event she attended in Chennai in December 2020.
Her statement was recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and she was subsequently included as a witness in the supplementary chargesheet.
Being called as a prosecution witness means the court wants her testimony as part of the evidence. It does not, by itself, mean that she has been charged with committing the alleged extortion.
Nora Fatehi and Jacqueline Fernandez's Connection to the Case
The Sukesh Chandrasekhar controversy has previously drawn attention because of the names of Bollywood actresses Nora Fatehi and Jacqueline Fernandez.
Both actresses were questioned by investigating agencies during the wider investigation into Chandrasekhar's alleged financial activities and connections with celebrities.
However, their respective legal positions and roles in the proceedings should not be confused. Nora has been summoned as a prosecution witness in this particular case, and the court is seeking her evidence.
November 6 Hearing Now Crucial
With the fresh summons issued, Nora Fatehi is expected to appear before the Rouse Avenue Court on November 6.
Her testimony could become an important part of the prosecution's evidence as the proceedings continue. The court's latest remarks also underline its expectation that witnesses comply with summons and cooperate with judicial proceedings.
The next hearing will therefore be closely watched, particularly after the court's strong response to the request for exemption.
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