Supreme Court judge, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, has stepped back from overseeing Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s plea against charges in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Justice Mishra cited his son’s involvement in a related government matter as the reason for his recusal. The case will now be reassigned to a different bench for further proceedings, scheduled for June 25.
Jacqueline Fernandez had filed a petition challenging a Delhi High Court decision upholding the ED’s prosecution complaint and the trial court’s framing of charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Earlier this month, she pleaded not guilty in the money laundering case and expressed readiness to face trial. The trial court also framed charges against Chandrashekhar, his wife, and 14 others, all of whom pleaded not guilty and opted for trial.
Recently, Jacqueline withdrew her application to become an approver in the case after the ED opposed it, citing unsatisfactory cooperation during the investigation. The agency alleges that she maintained contact with Chandrashekhar despite knowing his criminal background and did not fully assist in the probe. The ED accuses Jacqueline of receiving luxury gifts worth Rs 7 crore from Chandrashekhar, funded through alleged money laundering activities.
