Supreme Court Allows Withdrawal Of Jacqueline Fernandez Petition In Sukesh Chandra Case

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw her petition challenging the FIR and chargesheet in the ₹200-crore money laundering case linked to jailed conman Sukesh Chandra.

The bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Dutta and Augustine George Masih, issued the order after senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi requested permission on behalf of Fernandez.

Fernandez sought relief from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), arguing that the authorities had falsely implicated her in the case.

She challenged the FIR filed by the ED and the lower court’s decision to take cognisance of the chargesheet.

On 3 July, the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition, stating that the lower court could determine the accused’s involvement in the alleged offence only during trial.

Allegations in the Case

The case centres on Sukesh Chandra’s alleged ₹200-crore fraud.

According to investigators, he received money from Aditi Singh, misappropriated some funds, distributed portions to his associates, and invested others in his businesses.

Sukesh Chandra gave some of these funds as gifts to celebrities, including models and actresses, but Fernandez stated that she received nothing related to the alleged crimes.

Fernandez’s counsel, Siddharth Agrawal, contended that she was unaware of Sukesh Chandra’s activities and had not received any money or gifts legitimately.

Fernandez also alleged that she was deliberately implicated in a conspiracy involving Sukesh Chandra and Aditi Singh.

The ED named Fernandez as an accused following a probe by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing.

The investigation relates to alleged extortion and fraud targeting Aditi Singh, the wife of Shivinder Mohan Singh, former promoter of Religare Enterprises.

The ED had attached assets worth ₹7.12 crore linked to Fernandez during the course of the investigation.

Justice Dutta observed that any remarks by the Delhi court would not affect the trial in the lower court.

Fernandez continues to deny all allegations, including claims by Sukesh Chandra regarding relationships with celebrities.

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