The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed actor Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw her Special Leave Petition (SLP), challenging an order of the Special Court, which had framed charges against her in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Rs 200 crore extortion racket involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar.
The Vacation Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi permitted the withdrawal after the counsel appearing for Fernandez sought liberty to pursue an appropriate alternative legal remedy. The Court accordingly dismissed the petition as withdrawn.
The proceedings arise from a money laundering prosecution initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case traces its origin to a complaint lodged by Aditi Singh in August 2021, alleging that she had been defrauded of nearly Rs 200 crore by a syndicate allegedly headed by Chandrasekhar.
The complaint alleged that Chandrasekhar operated the scheme while lodged in prison and impersonated senior government officials to induce victims into parting with large sums of money.
Based on the predicate offence registered by the Delhi Police, the ED commenced investigation and registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the PMLA. According to the prosecution, proceeds of crime generated through the alleged extortion racket were used to purchase luxury gifts, financial benefits and other high-value assets for several individuals, including celebrities.
The ED has alleged that Fernandez received gifts and benefits valued at approximately Rs 5.71 crore. These allegedly included luxury handbags, jewellery, high-end watches, financial transfers abroad, vehicles for her family members and other expensive articles purchased from the proceeds of crime.
On July 3, 2025, the Delhi High Court declined to quash the ECIR and the prosecution complaint against Fernandez. The High Court held that issues relating to her knowledge, intent, alleged complicity and the nature of benefits received were matters requiring adjudication during trial. It observed that such disputed questions of fact could not be conclusively determined at the pre-charge stage and that the prosecution’s case could not be rejected without a full-fledged trial.
On May 30, 2026, the Special PMLA Court at Patiala House Courts directed framing of charges against Chandrasekhar, Fernandez and other accused persons in connection with the money laundering proceedings. Aggrieved by that order, Fernandez moved the Supreme Court. The actor today decided to withdraw the SLP and avail an alternative remedy in accordance with law.
The post Supreme Court allows Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw plea challenging PMLA court order in Rs 200 crore extortion racket case appeared first on India Legal.