Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to turn an approver in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
The plea was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Court, which has issued notice to the prosecution and listed the matter for hearing on April 20.
Fernandez has been named as a co-accused by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which alleges she benefited from proceeds of crime in the form of expensive gifts reportedly given by Sukesh.
From accused to witness: A strategic legal shift
The move signals a significant shift in Fernandez’s legal strategy. If allowed, turning approver would mean she could assist the prosecution by providing a full disclosure of facts in exchange for a potential pardon under Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Legal experts note that such a step is often taken when an accused seeks to distance themselves from the core conspiracy while cooperating with investigators.
In this case, the ED has alleged that Sukesh extorted around ₹200 crore from Aditi Singh, wife of former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Singh, by impersonating a government official and promising legal assistance.
The money laundering probe stems from a 2021 complaint filed with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.
What turning ‘approver’ means
An approver is an accused or accomplice who agrees to testify for the prosecution, offering a “full and true disclosure” of the case.
Steps involved include:
Applying for the pardon before the court
Investigation conducted by the investigation authority
Final judgment made by the court concerning the issue of pardon
The court is not compelled to accept the application and may decline even when the investigation agency recommends acceptance.
Background details of the case
In 2022, Fernandez was allowed bail in the ED case, which had conditions such as a personal bond of INR 2 lakh with a surety of equal value.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar has faced various charges ranging from extortion to impersonation. He reportedly has more than 30 cases against him, of which some have been granted bail.
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The ED has maintained that the funds used to purchase luxury gifts for associates were part of the alleged extortion proceeds.
Why this move matters
Her appeal might change the course of the case altogether. If successful, her evidence will serve to bolster the prosecutor’s case against Sukesh and his cohorts.
On the other hand, the court will be left at a pivotal moment to decide if her contribution is worthy enough to grant her a pardon.
