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The Supreme Court recently turned down a plea by a Bollywood actress, Jacqueline Fernandez, asking to drop a high-profile money laundering case against her, signaling that serious legal scrutiny remains ahead. The petition she filed sought to quash allegations about financial dealings with a well-known accused fraudster, but SC clarified that such accusations cannot be dismissed without a full and fair trial.
The case was filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), worth around Rs 215 crore, involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The ED claims Jacqueline accepted luxury gifts from him, jewellery, clothes, and vehicles worth more than Rs 7 crore, despite knowing of his criminal background. The agency also alleges that she deleted data from her phone after Sukesh’s arrest and initially concealed details of her transactions. Jacqueline has contested the charges, insisting she did not know about Sukesh’s alleged illegal activities.
A bench of Supreme Court justices, including Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, dismissed her plea. The court held that the allegations must be accepted at this stage as they are recorded, and innocence can’t be assumed before the trial. The SC reinforced that judicial processes demand evidence and hearings. Jacqueline was given the option to present her defenses later during the trial, but the case will continue in the meantime.
Before this, in July 2025, the Delhi High Court also rejected a similar plea from her, stating that granting such relief before charges are framed would be premature and could misinterpret the criminal justice process.
Supreme Court refuses to quash the Rs 215 crore money laundering case against Jacqueline Fernandez in connection with Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
Allegations include her having received expensive gifts exceeding Rs 7 crore, deletion of data, and concealing financial dealings.
Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed her plea, saying innocence must be tested through trial, not before it.
The Supreme Court clarified that allegations should be taken as they stand for now, and defensibility is something to be examined during proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s decision means the case against Jacqueline Fernandez will proceed. Legal relief before trial is off the table as allegations, including alleged receipt of gifts and concealment are serious enough that they cannot be dismissed prematurely.
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