By: Staff Writer
April 29, Colombo (LNW): Indian media reports that Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez awaits a crucial decision in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez’s petition challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Indian media reported.
The case stems from allegations that Fernandez received expensive gifts from jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Justice Anish Dayal reserved the verdict after detailed arguments from both sides. Senior Advocate Sidharth Aggarwal appeared for Fernandez, while Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain represented the ED.
During hearings, Aggarwal argued that labeling financial interactions as money laundering simply because money originated from an alleged criminal would have absurd consequences. “If the ED’s logic is applied, even grocery vendors, court officials, or lawyers who unknowingly transacted could be guilty,” Aggarwal contended, according to Indian media coverage.
He further claimed that Fernandez was unaware of Sukesh’s criminal background, having been introduced to him as a reputable businessman. Aggarwal noted, “Today, I am paying the price of being a celebrity,” emphasizing that celebrities often interact with individuals without complete knowledge of their backgrounds.
On the other hand, the ED maintained that the money laundering investigation is distinct from police probes into the original (predicate) crimes. The agency stressed that Fernandez continued accepting lavish gifts even after learning about Sukesh’s criminal history through media reports in 2021.
Earlier, the ED had firmly opposed Fernandez’s plea, suggesting it was an attempt to delay proceedings. Indian media quoted the agency stating that evidence pointed to her conscious involvement after becoming aware of Sukesh’s activities.
Defending Fernandez, Senior Advocate Aggarwal and Advocate Prashant Patil asserted that being branded a money launderer damages reputations severely, particularly for public figures. “Our request is not to quash the entire case, but only the proceedings against Jacqueline Fernandez,” Aggarwal clarified.
He also pointed out procedural delays, noting that although the ED has filed four complaints, investigations are still incomplete, stalling the trial’s commencement.
In her petition, Fernandez sought to quash the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) — the equivalent of an FIR — and the supplementary chargesheet. She argued that the ED’s own evidence showed she was an innocent victim targeted by Sukesh’s manipulation, not a willing participant in money laundering activities.
