Supreme Court Grants Jacqueline Fernandez Permission to Withdraw Plea in ₹200-Crore Money Laundering Case
The Supreme Court of India has granted actor Jacqueline Fernandez the permission to withdraw her plea that challenged a Delhi court’s order to frame charges against her in a significant ₹200-crore money laundering case. This decision was made on June 25, 2026, by a Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who noted that Ms. Fernandez has the option to seek other legal remedies available to her.
This development follows a previous ruling by a Delhi court on May 30, which ordered the framing of charges not only against the actor but also against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar and 15 others involved in the case. Dissatisfied with this ruling, Ms. Fernandez approached the apex court seeking redress.
Details of the Case
The trial court’s order further instructed that charges be framed against Mr. Chandrashekar and additional 20 individuals for various offences. This includes serious violations under the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with another case registered by the special cell of the city police.
On June 3, a Delhi court had officially framed charges in the ongoing money laundering case, thereby preparing for the commencement of the trial. Notably, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra of the apex court recused himself from the case on June 11, further complicating the legal proceedings.
Allegations Against Sukesh Chandrashekar
The Directorate of Enforcement has presented serious allegations against Mr. Chandrashekar, claiming that he accumulated criminal proceeds exceeding ₹200 crore through activities such as extortion, cheating, impersonation, and criminal intimidation. Subsequently, he allegedly concealed, possessed, transferred, layered, and portrayed these funds as legitimate assets with the assistance of his associates.
This case has attracted significant public and media attention given its high-profile nature and the involvement of a popular film industry figure.
