Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez has received significant relief from a Delhi court, granting her the freedom to travel abroad for her commitments without the need for prior court authorization concerning the Rs 200 crore-money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekar.
The Patiala House Court has made adjustments to her bail conditions, stating that the actress must inform both the court and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) three days before departing the country.
The court observed, “Having to seek permission before international travel can be burdensome and might jeopardize one’s livelihood.”
In November of the previous year, Jacqueline Fernandez secured bail in the money laundering case but under the condition that she couldn’t leave the country without prior court consent.
The court acknowledged that Jacqueline Fernandez, as an integral part of the Indian film industry, frequently needs to travel overseas. It emphasized that certain professional opportunities demand her to leave the country at short notice.
The court ruled that Jacqueline Fernandez must furnish comprehensive travel details, including the destination country, duration of stay, and particulars like accommodation and contact number.
This easing of bail conditions stems from her history of responsible conduct in this regard.
Upon submitting an application indicating her intention to travel abroad, Jacqueline Fernandez’s passport will be promptly reinstated upon depositing an Rs 50 lakh fixed deposit receipt (FDR). When she returns, the FDR will be released, and her passport will be returned.
Earlier, through her advocate Prashant Patil, Jacqueline Fernandez had sought relief from her bail conditions, highlighting the time-consuming process of seeking court permission for international travel.
Back in May, the Patiala House Court allowed her to attend the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA Awards) in Dubai after her plea.
Money Laundering Case
The case centers around conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, accused of extorting money from businessmen, politicians, and celebrities. He allegedly obtained Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh, the wife of Shivinder Mohan Singh, former owner of pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy, by impersonating a high-ranking government official while incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
Earlier reports indicated that while incarcerated, Sukesh Chandrashekhar sent a gift exceeding Rs 10 crore to Jacqueline Fernandez. Sources also revealed that he arranged a chartered flight for the actress from Mumbai to Chennai while on bail.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also suspects that a substantial portion of the money extorted from a businessman’s spouse was diverted to Jacqueline Fernandez.