Supreme Court Allows Jacqueline Fernandez to Withdraw Plea Against PMLA Charges in ₹200 Crore Sukesh Chandrasekhar Money Laundering Case

June 25, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted actor Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw her Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the order of the Special PMLA Court that had directed framing of charges against her in the alleged ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

A Vacation Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi allowed the withdrawal after counsel appearing for Fernandez sought permission to pursue an appropriate alternative legal remedy. Accepting the request, the Court dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

The case stems from a money laundering investigation initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation originated from a complaint filed by Aditi Singh in August 2021, alleging that she had been cheated of nearly ₹200 crore by a syndicate allegedly headed by Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

According to the prosecution, Chandrasekhar operated the alleged racket while lodged in prison by impersonating senior government officials and inducing victims to part with large sums of money. Following the registration of the predicate offence by the Delhi Police, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and began investigating the alleged laundering of the proceeds of crime.

The ED has alleged that Fernandez received gifts and financial benefits worth approximately ₹5.71 crore from the proceeds of the alleged extortion racket. These reportedly included luxury handbags, expensive jewellery, premium watches, overseas financial transfers, vehicles for her family members and several other high-value items.

Earlier, on July 3, 2025, the Delhi High Court had refused to quash the ECIR and the prosecution complaint against Fernandez. The High Court observed that questions relating to her knowledge, intent, alleged involvement and the nature of the benefits received could only be examined during trial and could not be conclusively decided at the pre-charge stage.

Subsequently, on May 30, 2026, the Special PMLA Court at Patiala House Courts directed framing of charges against Sukesh Chandrasekhar, Jacqueline Fernandez and other accused persons in the money laundering case. Challenging that order, Fernandez approached the Supreme Court. However, she has now withdrawn her petition and opted to pursue an alternative legal remedy in accordance with law.