25 June,2026 04:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jacqueline Fernandez. Pic via Instagram
Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has withdrawn her petition before the Supreme Court challenging proceedings against her in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Jacqueline to withdraw her special leave petition (SLP), which had challenged a Delhi High Court order refusing to quash the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) prosecution complaint and a trial court order framing charges against her under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, who permitted the actor to withdraw her plea.
The case had earlier been listed before a different Bench on June 11. However, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra recused himself from hearing the matter after informing the parties that his son had appeared on behalf of the government in a connected case. Following the recusal, the matter was reassigned and heard on June 25.
During Thursday's hearing, Jacqueline sought permission to withdraw her petition, which the apex court allowed.
Earlier this month, the actor had pleaded not guilty before Delhi's Patiala House Court and expressed her willingness to face trial. On June 3, she denied the charges framed against her under the PMLA and chose to contest the case on its merits.
The development comes weeks after Jacqueline also withdrew her application seeking to become an approver in the case. The Enforcement Directorate had opposed the plea, arguing that her conduct during the investigation was 'not satisfactory' and that she had not made a 'full and true disclosure' in her statements.
According to the ED, Jacqueline remained in contact with Chandrashekhar even after learning about his alleged criminal background. The agency has further alleged that she received luxury gifts worth around Rs 7 crore, which were allegedly purchased using proceeds of crime.
Jacqueline, however, has consistently maintained that she was unaware of Chandrashekhar's alleged criminal activities and had no knowledge of the source of funds used for the gifts.
The trial court has also framed money laundering charges against Chandrashekhar, his wife Leena Maria Paul and several others involved in the case. All have pleaded not guilty.
The matter is currently scheduled for further proceedings before the trial court on July 16.
