Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez have suffered a major legal setback after the Supreme Court dismissed her plea seeking relief in the ₹200-crore money laundering case linked with alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The case, which is under investigation by Enforcement Directorate (ED), accuses Chandrashekhar for extorting money from influential individuals while promising favors. Jacqueline is accused of benefitting with expensive gifts and financial advantages which allegedly provided by Chandrashekhar using illicit funds.

Her petition was to challenge proceedings and asking exemption from facing charges under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). But the Supreme Court refused for intervene, observing the matter did not warrant any special consideration. The court said since ED had presented evidences linking her to proceeds of crime, she must undergo legal process in trial court like any other accused person.

This ruling comes as significant blow for Fernandez, who maintain her innocence and claim she was misled by Chandrashekhar. She has argued continuously that she had no knowledge about his fraudulent activities. Despite her defense, ED have insisted that she was “beneficiary” of proceeds of crime and therefore liable under money laundering provisions.

The case attracted wide media attentions, given Jacqueline’s popularity in film industry and her associations with big-budget Bollywood project. Legal experts notes that the Supreme Court’s decision reinforce the principle that celebrity status doesn’t place anyone above law.

For Jacqueline, this means prolonged legal battle, as now she must face trial proceeding without relief from higher courts. The case also highlight broader concern about influence of conmen and vulnerability of public figure to financial fraud.