SC's Justice PK Mishra Recuses From Hearing Jacqueline Fernandez's Plea In ₹200 Crore PMLA Case
Kirit Singhania
11 Jun 2026 12:33 PM IST
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in the ₹200 crore money laundering case be listed before another bench after Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra disclosed that his son had appeared for the government in one of the connected matters.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Atul S. Chandurkar was hearing Jacqueline's plea challenging the proceedings arising from a Special PMLA court's May 30, 2026 order framing charges against her, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, and other accused.
During the hearing, Justice Mishra disclosed that his son had appeared for the government in one of the connected cases.
Following the disclosure, both sides requested that the matter be listed after the court's reopening. The bench, however, directed that the case be placed before another bench, preferably in the week commencing June 25.
Background
The case originated from a complaint filed by Aditi Singh in August 2021, alleging that she had been cheated of nearly Rs. 200 crores by a syndicate led by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar who impersonated senior government officials while operating from jail. Based on the predicate offence registered by Delhi Police, the Enforcement Directorate lodged a money-laundering case under the PMLA.
According to the ED, Sukesh used the proceeds of crime to purchase luxury gifts and benefits for several celebrities. Jacqueline Fernandez was alleged to have received gifts and benefits worth about Rs. 5.71 crore, including luxury bags, jewellery, watches, vehicles for family members, foreign fund transfers and other expensive items.
The Delhi High Court noted that ED's case was that Jacqueline continued to receive and enjoy these benefits despite being aware of Sukesh's criminal antecedents, while Jacqueline maintained that she had been deceived by him and had no knowledge that the gifts were proceeds of crime.
On 3 July 2025, the Delhi High Court refused to quash the ECIR and prosecution complaint, holding that questions relating to Jacqueline's knowledge, intent and alleged involvement could only be determined during trial and not at the pre-charge stage. The Court observed that the charge proceedings were still pending and that the prosecution's case could not be discarded without a full trial.
Subsequently on 30 May 2026, the Special PMLA Court at Patiala House Courts ordered framing of charges against Sukesh Chandrasekhar, Jacqueline Fernandez and other accused.