Jacqueline Fernandez's Plea Challenging Money Laundering Case Reserved By Delhi HC

Jacqueline Fernandez's legal battle against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took a new turn as the Delhi High Court reserved its judgment on her petition challenging the ED's complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case revolves around allegations that Fernandez received lavish gifts from alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. During the hearing, Fernandez's lawyer poignantly stated, "Today, I am paying the price of being a celebrity." The court's decision to reserve judgment suggests a thorough examination of the case before a final ruling is made.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal, representing Fernandez, raised serious concerns about the ED's accusations, questioning their legal foundation. Aggarwal argued that if the ED's logic of financial benefit from crime holds, then even individuals such as shopkeepers, court staff, or legal professionals could be accused of money laundering. He warned that such a broad interpretation of criminal liability would create unnecessary panic and unjustly expand the scope of the law.

Aggarwal further challenged the ED's claim that Fernandez was aware of Sukesh Chandrashekhar's criminal past, citing a 2021 media report as the basis for this assumption. He emphasized that simply being a public figure does not imply prior knowledge of illicit sources of money. "Businessmen often have multiple cases against them," he stated, adding that Fernandez was introduced to Sukesh Chandrashekhar as a business tycoon.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) countered Fernandez's arguments, emphasizing that its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is independent and distinct from police probes into the original offenses. The ED clarified that individuals involved in money laundering may differ from those involved in the initial crime, due to the distinct legal contexts of the offenses.

The ED previously opposed Fernandez's petition, asserting that she knowingly continued to accept gifts from Chandrashekhar even after becoming aware of his criminal background. The agency accused Fernandez of using legal tactics to delay the judicial process.

Fernandez's legal team, led by Senior Advocate Aggarwal and Advocate Prashant Patil, highlighted the significant damage to her public image, emphasizing the detrimental impact of being publicly labeled as a money launderer. They clarified that their plea does not seek to nullify the entire case, but only the proceedings against Fernandez personally.

Aggarwal argued that despite being imprisoned, Chandrashekhar continues to engage in fraudulent activities and extortion. He emphasized that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had recorded Fernandez's statements and found them relevant to the investigation. However, the ED's filing of four complaints has stalled the commencement of the trial, further delaying the proceedings.

Fernandez's plea seeks the court to quash the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and the supplementary charge sheet filed by the ED in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

She contends that the evidence presented by the ED actually supports her innocence, indicating that she was a victim of Chandrashekhar's fraudulent schemes. Fernandez argues that there is no proof suggesting she aided him in laundering his alleged illegal earnings, and therefore, she should not be held liable under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA.

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez previously sought protection from alleged harassment by Sukesh Chandrashekhar in a Delhi court. She also filed a plea with the Delhi High Court requesting the dismissal of the case against her, maintaining that she was an innocent victim caught in Sukesh's elaborate con.

Jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently incarcerated in Delhi for a Rs 200 crore extortion case, wrote a heartfelt letter to actress Jacqueline Fernandez following the passing of her mother, Kim Fernandez, on April 6th.

Kim Fernandez passed away from a heart attack. In his letter, Sukesh expressed his sorrow and dedicated a garden filled with lilies and tulips in Bali to Kim, her favorite flowers. He wrote, "She will be reborn as our daughter."