Fernandez approver bid blocked by ED in money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate has objected to Jacqueline Fernandez's request to become a witness in the ₹200 crore money laundering case, a significant legal hurdle.
By Newsroom | Legal, Crime |

Jacqueline Fernandez has hit a legal snag in the sprawling ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally objected to her application seeking to be declared an approver, a move that would see her cooperate with the prosecution.

Jacqueline Fernandez faces setback as ED opposes her plea to become approver in Rs. 200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar - 1

The ED's stance, presented before the Patiala House Court on Monday, casts doubt on Fernandez's claims of limited involvement, arguing her earlier statement and cooperation on the primary offense do not absolve her of responsibility in the money laundering aspect. This latest development follows the court's issuance of a notice to the ED on April 17, acknowledging Fernandez's plea.

Jacqueline Fernandez faces setback as ED opposes her plea to become approver in Rs. 200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar - 2

The actor's attempt to alter her legal standing comes after previous legal setbacks. A plea to quash the First Information Report (FIR) against her was rejected by the Delhi High Court on July 4, 2025. The High Court, at that time, cited the special PMLA court's cognizance of the chargesheet and the existence of a prima facie case of money laundering.

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Jacqueline Fernandez faces setback as ED opposes her plea to become approver in Rs. 200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar - 3

Fernandez's application, submitted on April 17, signifies a bid to become a prosecution witness, mandating the disclosure of all relevant facts in exchange for potential pardon or a reduced sentence. The court, after taking the application on record, had issued a notice to the ED, which has now responded with its objection. The agency has characterized her plea as "vague," requesting time to file a more detailed reply, with the next hearing scheduled for May 8.

Jacqueline Fernandez faces setback as ED opposes her plea to become approver in Rs. 200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrasekhar - 4

This intricate legal dance unfolds against the backdrop of Chandrasekhar facing numerous cases. The High Court had previously dismissed Fernandez's petition to quash the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against her, with the court observing that a case against her, related to the PMLA, was established.

The trajectory of the case, initially surfacing when Fernandez's name emerged during the ED probe, now hinges on the court's decision regarding her approver application and the ED's subsequent submissions. The outcome could significantly influence the unfolding of revelations within the investigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Enforcement Directorate (ED) object to Jacqueline Fernandez becoming an approver on Monday?
The ED told the Patiala House Court that Fernandez's earlier statements and cooperation do not clear her of money laundering charges. They believe she is still responsible for her role.
Q: What did Jacqueline Fernandez ask the court to do?
Fernandez asked the court to let her become an approver, which means she would tell the court everything she knows in exchange for a lighter sentence. She filed this request on April 17.
Q: What happened with Jacqueline Fernandez's earlier legal requests?
The Delhi High Court rejected her request to cancel the FIR against her on July 4, 2025, saying there was enough evidence of money laundering. She also tried to get the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) canceled, but that was also dismissed.
Q: When will the court decide on Fernandez's approver application?
The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 8, after the ED asked for more time to give a detailed answer to Fernandez's request.