Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has informed a Delhi court that she is prepared to become an approver in the ₹200-crore money laundering case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The court directed her to follow due process by formally applying to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the matter.

The development came before the Patiala House Court, which has issued notice to the ED and scheduled the next hearing for April 20. Under legal procedure, the investigating agency must first record her statement and then determine whether to recommend her as an approver before the court.

This move follows an earlier setback for the actor when the Supreme Court of India declined to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against her. Previously, the Delhi High Court had also refused to dismiss the case filed by the ED.

Chandrashekhar, who is currently in judicial custody in multiple cases, has publicly described himself as being in a relationship with Fernandez and has reportedly sent her letters from prison. While photographs that surfaced earlier suggested acquaintance, Fernandez has maintained that she was deceived into believing he was a legitimate entrepreneur.

The ED has alleged that the actor received expensive gifts — including jewellery, designer outfits and high-end vehicles — valued at over ₹7 crore. Investigators further claim she was aware of Chandrashekhar’s alleged criminal background and accused her of deleting data from her phone after his arrest, as well as initially withholding details about financial transactions before later acknowledging them.

Fernandez has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that she was emotionally manipulated and misled. She has asserted that she had no knowledge of any unlawful activities linked to Chandrashekhar and has described the episode as deeply damaging to her personal and professional life.

The case stems from an alleged ₹215-crore extortion and fraud operation in which Chandrashekhar is accused of impersonating influential figures to target wealthy individuals.