Bollywood Actress Granted Liberty to Pursue Appropriate Legal Remedies
In a recent development in the high-profile legal proceedings involving Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, the Supreme Court of India has permitted her to withdraw her Special Leave Petition. The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi on June 25, 2026. The petition was filed against the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
The petitioner, represented by advocates Ms. Vartika Aggarwal, Ms. Manali Singhal, and others, sought permission to retract the petition with the liberty to pursue other legal remedies as deemed appropriate under the law. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the submission of the learned counsel for Ms. Fernandez, granted the withdrawal of the petition, thereby allowing the actress the freedom to explore alternative legal options.
The Directorate of Enforcement was represented by a team of advocates led by Solicitor General Mr. Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Mr. Anil Kaushik. The case, which has garnered significant media attention, involves allegations that have yet to be fully resolved in the legal arena.
This decision by the Supreme Court underscores the procedural right of petitioners to withdraw their applications and seek other legal avenues, a principle which is integral to the Indian judicial process. The specific details of the alternative remedies that Ms. Fernandez might pursue remain unspecified at this juncture.
Legal experts suggest that this strategic withdrawal might be a calculated move to strengthen her legal standing in the ongoing proceedings against the Directorate of Enforcement, although the exact course of action remains to be seen.
Bottom Line:
The petitioner sought permission to withdraw the Special Leave Petition with the liberty to avail appropriate remedies in accordance with the law, which was granted by the Supreme Court.
Statutory provision(s): Criminal Procedure Code (pertaining to Special Leave Petition withdrawal)
Jacqueline Fernandez v. Directorate of Enforcement, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2929719
