Rs 200 crores money laundering case : No evidence of Jacqueline had knowledge Sukesh's criminal activities, counsel argues

Nov 06, 2024

New Delhi [India], November 6 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday heard final arguments on the plea of Jacqueline Fernandez. Her counsel argued that there is no evidence that she had knowledge of Sukesh Chandrasekar's criminal activities. She has sought quashing of Money Laundering case and charge sheet against her.
Justice Anish Dayal heard arguments advanced by senior advocate Siddharth Agrawa, Advocate Shakti Pandeyl along with Prashant Patil for Jacqueline Fernandez.
The High Court is to hear further arguments on November 13.
Senior advocate Siddharth Agrawal submitted that Jacqueline did not know that the gift she received from Sukesh Chandrasekar was part of proceeds of crime and his criminal activities.
He argued that the case of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that She should had knowledge or ought to have knowledge about these facts as she had sufficient means to know it. But there is evidence that there was knowledge on her part.
It was further argued that the celebrities who met Sukesh Chandrasekar in jail were believed and were let go. They had said that they met him in relation of business meeting, this was believed by the agency.
The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing. Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain for ED appeared through video conferencing.
The High Court issued notice to ED on December 21, 2023, and directed to file a reply. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has sought quashing of ECIR of 08.08.2021 and the 2nd Supplementary Complaint (Charge sheet) of 17.08.2022 filed by the ED and proceedings emanating therefrom.
Earlier, Senior advocate Siddharth Aggarwal had raised three legal issues which, according to him, can only be decided by the Constitutional Court and not by the Trial Court, albeit it is an admitted position that the matter is pending before the Trial Court for arguments on charge.
Siddharth Aggarwal, on instructions, had submitted that he is not seeking any interim relief as he does not want to stall proceedings before Trial Court. Liberty was sought to file additional documents, which according to him are crucial for adjudication of the legal issues raised.
The High Court had allowed filing of additional documents subject to their relevancy and admissibility, being tested at the time of hearing of the petition.
Jacqueline Fernandez is also one of accused in a money laundering case linked to alleged Extortion of Rs 200 crores from one Aditi Singh. Sukesh Chandrasekar is also one of the accused in both Extortion and Money Laundering case.