New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday postponed hearing Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea challenging charges framed against her in the alleged ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to accused conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, after a judge recused himself from the matter.
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar was hearing the case when Justice Mishra informed the parties that he would not be able to participate in the proceedings due to a potential conflict of interest.
According to court proceedings, Justice Mishra stated that his son had appeared on behalf of the government in a related matter, making it appropriate for him to step aside from the case.
The matter has now been directed to be listed before another bench of the Supreme Court and is scheduled for hearing on June 25, 2026.
What Is Jacqueline Fernandez Challenging?
Jacqueline Fernandez has approached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP) seeking to challenge previous court orders that allowed money laundering proceedings against her to continue.
Her petition challenges:
- A Delhi High Court order refusing to quash the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint.
- A trial court order framing charges against her under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The actor is seeking legal relief against the continuation of criminal proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Jacqueline Fernandez Pleads Not Guilty
Earlier this month, Jacqueline appeared before Delhi’s Patiala House Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against her.
The actor informed the court that she intends to contest the allegations through trial proceedings.
The same court also framed money laundering charges against:
- Sukesh Chandrashekhar
- Leena Maria Paul
- Several other accused individuals connected to the investigation
All accused persons denied the allegations and requested a full trial.
The next hearing before the trial court is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
Withdrawal of Approver Application
The latest development comes shortly after Jacqueline withdrew an application in which she had sought to become an approver in the case.
An approver is an accused person who agrees to assist investigators and provide evidence against other accused individuals in exchange for legal consideration.
The Enforcement Directorate opposed her request, arguing that her cooperation during the investigation did not meet the legal standards required for such relief.
According to the agency, she did not provide a complete disclosure regarding matters under investigation.
ED’s Allegations Against Jacqueline Fernandez
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Jacqueline Fernandez remained in communication with Sukesh Chandrashekhar even after becoming aware of concerns regarding his criminal activities.
Investigators claim that Chandrashekhar provided expensive gifts and benefits to the actor using funds that were allegedly derived from criminal activities.
According to the ED, the gifts and valuables allegedly received by Jacqueline were worth approximately ₹7 crore.
These reportedly included luxury items and high-value assets that are part of the agency’s money laundering investigation.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s Stand
Jacqueline Fernandez has consistently denied any involvement in illegal financial activities.
Her legal position remains that:
- She was unaware of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal background.
- She had no knowledge of the alleged source of funds used to purchase gifts.
- She did not knowingly participate in any money laundering activity.
Her defence team has maintained that the actor should not be held liable for actions allegedly committed by others without her knowledge.
Background of the ₹200 Crore Case
The money laundering investigation originates from allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar orchestrated a large-scale fraud involving approximately ₹200 crore.
Investigating agencies have alleged that Chandrashekhar cheated the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh, among others.
The Enforcement Directorate subsequently launched a money laundering probe into the alleged proceeds of crime generated through the scheme.
Over the past several years, the case has attracted widespread public attention due to the involvement of prominent personalities and the significant amount of money allegedly involved.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court will now assign Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea to a different bench for consideration.
Key upcoming dates include:
- June 25, 2026: Supreme Court hearing on Jacqueline Fernandez’s petition.
- July 16, 2026: Further proceedings before the trial court.
The outcome of these hearings could influence the future course of legal proceedings involving the actor and other accused individuals in one of India’s most closely watched money laundering cases.
