Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has received a significant procedural relief from a Delhi court, which granted her a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to apply for the renewal of her Indian work visa. The order was passed on October 6 by Additional Sessions Judge Gagandeep Singh, allowing Fernandez to approach the relevant authorities for her visa renewal process.
This development occurs while Fernandez remains an accused in the high-profile ₹200-crore money laundering case. The case is connected to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, and charges were framed against Fernandez, Chandrashekar, and 15 others earlier this year.
Understanding the Court's Decision
The court explicitly clarified that the NOC does not constitute a 'clean chit' or a decision on the allegations against the actor. Instead, it merely permits her to apply for the renewal of her employment visa. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or other concerned authorities will independently examine her renewal request under applicable laws and regulations.
“The NOC is given to the applicant/accused, Jacqueline Fernandez to apply for renewal of her visa with the concerned authorities as per law and the authority concerned shall consider the same independently as per law/rules/circulars/applicable bye-laws,” the judge stated in the order.
Fernandez, a Sri Lankan national, has resided in India on an employment visa since 2009, which had recently expired. Her counsel informed the court that the FRRO was not processing the renewal without an NOC from the trial court.
Implications for Fernandez's Career and Trial
The court acknowledged that Fernandez continues to be actively involved in the entertainment industry and has ongoing professional commitments in India. Furthermore, her presence is deemed necessary for the continuation of the trial in the money laundering case. Granting the NOC removes an administrative hurdle, enabling her to maintain her legal residency status in India while the judicial proceedings unfold.
While this order provides crucial administrative support for her professional life, the legal battle in the ₹200-crore money laundering case continues. The final decision on her visa renewal will rest with the immigration authorities, following their independent assessment.