New Delhi, India – On July 3, 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition by Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez to cancel a legal case against her in a high-profile money laundering investigation involving an alleged $24 million (Rs 200 crore) scam. The case centers around Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a suspected conman accused of orchestrating the fraud.
Fernandez, a well-known actress from Sri Lanka, had asked the court to dismiss the First Information Report (FIR) filed by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency responsible for investigating financial crimes. She also sought to stop further legal proceedings, including a supplementary chargesheet that named her as an accused. However, Justice Anish Dayal ruled against her, stating that the case against Fernandez was valid and should proceed.
The ED alleges that Fernandez knowingly benefited from illegal funds linked to Chandrasekhar’s activities. The agency claims she received expensive gifts, including jewelry and luxury items, purchased with money obtained through fraudulent means. According to the ED, Chandrasekhar extorted around $24 million from prominent individuals, including the wife of a former executive of Ranbaxy, a major Indian pharmaceutical company. The scam allegedly involved Chandrasekhar posing as a senior government official to deceive his victims.
Fernandez has denied any wrongdoing, claiming she was unaware that the gifts she received were linked to criminal activities. Her legal team argued that she was a victim of Chandrasekhar’s deception, not a participant in his schemes. They stated that Fernandez had no knowledge of the illicit source of the gifts and stopped communicating with Chandrasekhar after learning about his criminal background through a news article.
The ED, however, presented evidence suggesting Fernandez was aware of Chandrasekhar’s actions and continued to accept financial benefits despite knowing about his fraudulent activities. The agency also accused her of tampering with evidence by deleting data from her phone after Chandrasekhar’s arrest.
Chandrasekhar, currently in jail, is accused of using illegal methods, such as fake phone calls and shell companies, to hide and move the money he obtained. His wife, Leena Paulose, is also facing charges in the case.
The court’s decision is a significant setback for Fernandez, who has been questioned multiple times by the ED since the investigation began. In 2022, she was granted bail by a Delhi court after posting a bond, but the ongoing case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of a major Bollywood star.
The case will now move forward in a Delhi trial court, where further proceedings will determine Fernandez’s role, if any, in the alleged money laundering scheme. The outcome could have significant implications for her career and public image. Meanwhile, the investigation into Chandrasekhar’s activities continues, with authorities examining similar cases across India.
This ruling highlights India’s increasing focus on tackling financial crimes and holding individuals accountable, regardless of their fame or status. The global entertainment industry is watching closely as the case unfolds, given Fernandez’s prominence in Bollywood.
