The Supreme Court recently delivered a major blow to actor Jacqueline Fernandez, refusing to intervene in her ongoing legal battle against money laundering accusations. Fernandez had challenged a Delhi High Court decision that dismissed her earlier plea to quash the proceedings initiated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
During the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ms. Fernandez, argued that any items she received from Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged mastermind behind a ₹200-crore money laundering scheme, were merely “gifts.” Furthermore, Ms. Fernandez contended that the entire case against her was nothing more than a “camouflage” – a tactic to mask failed attempts by authorities to frame her under the stringent MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) charges.
However, Justice Dipankar Datta, heading the bench, verbally pointed out that the core of the allegations revolves around the assertion that laundered funds from Mr. Chandrasekhar found their way to Ms. Fernandez in the guise of these “gifts.” While the apex court declined to halt the proceedings, it clarified that any remarks made by the High Court would not hinder Ms. Fernandez’s ability to seek further legal relief in the future. This means the legal saga for the Bollywood actor is far from over, as she will continue to face the charges.