The Patiala House Court in New Delhi ordered the framing of charges against actress Jacqueline Fernandez and alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar [1].
The ruling advances a complex legal battle involving a massive extortion racket, signaling that the court finds sufficient evidence to proceed toward a trial for the accused.
The case centers on an alleged extortion and money-laundering scheme valued at ₹200 crore [1]. Investigators from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) allege that the operation was orchestrated by Chandrasekhar, with Fernandez serving as a significant beneficiary of the illicit proceeds [3].
On June 3, 2024, the court summoned all accused persons, including Fernandez, Chandrasekhar, and Leena Maria Paul, for the formal framing of charges [2]. This legal step follows a period of investigation into how the funds were moved and utilized.
Fernandez previously sought to change her legal status by applying to become an approver in the case. An approver is an accomplice who agrees to testify against other defendants in exchange for a pardon or leniency. However, the ED opposed this request, stating that Fernandez was a significant beneficiary [3].
Following the opposition from the ED, Fernandez withdrew her application to become an approver [4]. The withdrawal means she will remain among the accused as the trial proceeds.
"She was a significant beneficiary," the ED said [3].
This development marks a critical juncture for the defense, as the court's decision to frame charges indicates that the prosecution has met the necessary threshold to bring the matter to trial. The proceedings will now focus on the specific roles each individual played in the ₹200 crore scheme [1].
“"She was a significant beneficiary."”
The court's decision to frame charges and the rejection of the approver status transition suggest that the prosecution intends to hold Fernandez accountable as a primary participant rather than a witness. This increases the legal risk for the actress, as she can no longer seek immunity by testifying against Chandrasekhar.
