The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday opposed Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea to turn approver in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, telling a Delhi court that her conduct during the investigation was "not satisfactory" and that she failed to fully cooperate with the probe.

What the ED Told the Court

Appearing before the Patiala House Court, the federal anti-money laundering agency contended that Fernandez did not make a "full and true disclosure" in her statements recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED alleged she "consistently failed to make full and truthful disclosures" in connection with the proceeds of crime allegedly generated by Chandrashekhar.

The agency further alleged that Fernandez continued to remain in regular contact with Chandrashekhar even after becoming aware of his criminal antecedents — a charge that directly undermines her bid to be treated as a prosecution witness.

Key Allegations Against Fernandez

According to the ED, Chandrashekhar had arranged "all benefits, gifts and valuables" for Fernandez out of proceeds of crime generated through alleged money laundering activities. The agency has accused her of receiving luxury gifts worth approximately ₹7 crore from Chandrashekhar. Fernandez has consistently maintained that she had no knowledge of his alleged criminal activities or the source of funds used for those gifts.

The ED has also alleged that Chandrashekhar's aide Pinky Irani facilitated the delivery of luxury gifts and expensive items to Fernandez on his behalf.

Court Proceedings and Next Hearing

After hearing submissions from both sides, the Patiala House Court granted time to Fernandez's counsel to file a rejoinder to the ED's reply. The matter has been posted for further hearing on 12 May.

This is not the first time Fernandez has sought relief from a higher forum. In September last year, the Supreme Court declined to entertain her plea seeking the quashing of money laundering proceedings initiated by the ED. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Fernandez before the apex court, had argued that she could not be prosecuted under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA as she had no knowledge that the gifts received from Chandrashekhar were proceeds of crime.

The Justice Datta-led bench, however, referred to the Supreme Court's judgment in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case — which upheld the ED's powers under the PMLA — and observed that allegations at the stage of framing of charges must be accepted as they stand.

Background of the Case

The money laundering case stems from allegations that Chandrashekhar cheated the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh of nearly ₹200 crore. The ED has filed multiple charge sheets in the case and named Fernandez as an accused in a supplementary prosecution complaint. Another Bollywood actor, Nora Fatehi, was examined as a witness in the same matter.

Fernandez, a 40-year-old Sri Lankan actress who entered Bollywood after winning the Miss Universe Sri Lanka crown in 2006, has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over a decade. She has maintained that she had no role in laundering Chandrashekhar's alleged illegal wealth. The next hearing on 12 May will be closely watched as the court weighs her bid to become an approver against the ED's stiff opposition.