What is the story about?
Jacqueline Fernandes, on Friday, April 18, expressed her wish to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman
Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The development came during a hearing at the Patiala House Court in New Delhi. The court, after hearing her submission, directed her to file a formal application before the concerned department to proceed with the request. This is a significant development in a case that has been dragging on for years and has kept the actress entangled in serious legal trouble.
Who Is An Approver?
In Indian law, an approver is an accused person who agrees to cooperate with the prosecution by giving evidence against other co-accused in exchange for a pardon. Becoming an approver can reduce or eliminate the legal consequences for the person making the request, provided the court accepts it.
All About The Rs 200 Crore Money Laundering Case
Sukesh Chandrasekhar, while lodged in Rohini jail, allegedly ran an extortion racket using phone spoofing technology, posing as senior government officials to con Aditi Singh, the wife of former Ranbaxy owner Shivinder Singh, out of over Rs 200 crore.
The women believed they were paying crores to secure bail for their jailed husbands, not knowing the calls were fake. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) later filed a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
How Is Jacqueline Fernandes Linked To The Case?
Mumbai-based Pinky Irani, a close aide of Sukesh Chandrasekhar, was arrested for allegedly introducing him to Bollywood personalities including Jacqueline Fernandez, portraying him as a business tycoon.
The ED filed a chargesheet listing Jacqueline as an accused, alleging she received gifts worth crores that were proceeds of the crime. Jacqueline has consistently maintained she was deceived by Sukesh, who allegedly posed as a government official and that she had no knowledge of his criminal activities.
Both the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court have refused to quash the proceedings against her. The trial is ongoing at Patiala House Court.
Sukesh Chandrasekhar Money Laundering Case Timeline
2020: Sukesh Chandrasekhar, lodged in Rohini jail, begins making spoof calls to Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy owner Shivinder Singh, posing as top government officials and promising to secure her husband's release.
August 2021: Aditi Singh files a formal complaint with Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW), triggering the registration of an FIR against Sukesh and others for extortion of Rs 200 crore.
2021-2022: The ED begins its money laundering probe. Sukesh, his wife Leena Maria Paulose, and associates are arrested. Pinky Irani, who allegedly introduced Sukesh to Bollywood figures including Jacqueline, is also arrested.
November 2022: Patiala House Court grants Jacqueline bail in the PMLA case. She is listed as an accused in the ED's chargesheet for allegedly receiving gifts worth crores sourced from crime proceeds.
July 2025: Delhi High Court dismisses Jacqueline's petition to quash the FIR and chargesheet against her, allowing the trial to continue.
September 2025: The Supreme Court also declines to interfere, asking her to approach the court at an appropriate stage.
April 2026: Jacqueline appears before Patiala House Court and expresses her wish to turn approver, marking the latest and most significant twist in the long-running case.
