New Delhi: Jacqueline Fernandez has expressed her intention to turn an approver in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The development came during a hearing at the Patiala House Court, which directed the actor to file a formal application to initiate the process.

The move marks a significant turn in a long-running legal case that has kept Jacqueline entangled in proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). If accepted, her decision could reshape the course of the trial.

What does turning approver mean?

In Indian law, an approver is an accused person who agrees to cooperate with the prosecution by providing evidence against co-accused individuals. In return, the person may receive a pardon or reduced punishment, subject to court approval.

For Jacqueline, this means she would need to fully disclose all facts to the case and assist investigating agencies. The court will evaluate whether her cooperation is genuine and valuable before granting any relief.

Background of the ₹200 crore case

The case centres around an alleged extortion racket run by Sukesh Chandrasekhar from inside Rohini jail. Using spoofed calls, he allegedly impersonated senior government officials and targeted high-profile individuals.

One of the key victims was Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Singh. She was allegedly duped into paying over ₹200 crore on the false promise of securing her husband’s bail.

Following the complaint filed in 2021, enforcement agencies launched a probe, leading to multiple arrests and the registration of a money laundering case.

How Jacqueline is linked to the case

Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) named Jacqueline Fernandez as an accused in the case. According to the agency, she allegedly received expensive gifts worth crores that were sourced from the proceeds of crime.

Pinky Irani, an alleged aide of Sukesh, is said to have introduced him to Bollywood personalities, including Jacqueline, portraying him as a wealthy businessman.

However, Jacqueline has consistently maintained that she was misled and had no knowledge of Sukesh’s criminal background. She claims she believed him to be a legitimate individual and was unaware that the gifts were linked to illegal activities.

Legal developments so far

The case has seen several legal milestones over the years:

• In 2022, Jacqueline was granted bail by the Patiala House Court


• In 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed her plea to quash the FIR and chargesheet


• Later the same year, the Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the trial to continue

Her recent request to turn approver is being seen as a crucial development that could influence the prosecution’s case against other accused.

What happens next?

Following the court’s direction, Jacqueline will have to file a formal application expressing her willingness to cooperate. The prosecution and the court will then examine the merits of her request.

If accepted, she may be required to testify against other accused individuals, including Sukesh Chandrasekhar, which could strengthen the case against them.

However, legal experts note that turning approver is not an automatic safeguard against punishment. The court retains the authority to grant or deny pardon based on the value and truthfulness of the evidence provided.

Conclusion

Jacqueline Fernandez’s move to seek approver status marks a pivotal moment in the ₹200 crore money laundering case. As the trial progresses, her cooperation could play a key role in uncovering further details and determining the outcome. The court’s decision on her application will be closely watched, given its potential impact on one of India’s most high-profile financial crime cases.