Nora Fatehi has been reprimanded by the Rouse Avenue Court for failing to appear despite being summoned as a prosecution witness in the ₹200 crore Sukesh Chandrashekhar extortion case. The court issued a fresh summons for her to appear on November 6, stressing that witnesses must not take judicial proceedings lightly.
Nora Fatehi has been reprimanded by the Rouse Avenue Court for failing to appear in person despite being summoned as a prosecution witness in the ₹200 crore extortion case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The court issued a fresh summons on Monday, directing her to appear on November 6 — this time with no room for delay or absence.
The judge’s tone was sharp: 'Don’t take the court for granted,' he said, visibly displeased with both the actress and her counsel after she skipped the earlier hearing. Her lawyer had sought exemption from personal appearance, but the court rejected the plea outright, stressing that witnesses are expected to comply with judicial process.
Delhi Police informed the court that they had served the summons, though they admitted they didn’t know whether Fatehi would show up. Her counsel stated she was notified on October 29, but the court found the lack of attendance unacceptable. The case centres on allegations that Chandrashekhar, while imprisoned at Rohini Jail, impersonated senior government officials and extorted approximately ₹200 crore from Aditi Singh, wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh, during 2020–21.
He allegedly promised to secure her husband’s release in exchange for money. The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) investigated the matter and filed charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), along with other relevant provisions. Nora Fatehi was previously questioned by the EOW about her alleged association with Chandrashekhar and his wife, Leena Maria Paulose.
During those proceedings, she told investigators her interactions with Chandrashekhar occurred through his wife. She was also questioned about an event she attended in Chennai in December 2020. Her statement was recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, and she was then named as a prosecution witness in the third supplementary chargesheet, listed as LW-3.
Being a prosecution witness means the court wants her testimony as part of the evidence, not that she is accused of any wrongdoing. The case has drawn public attention due to its connections with figures in the entertainment industry, including past scrutiny of actresses like Jacqueline Fernandez. But this latest development focuses solely on Fatehi’s role as a witness.
The court’s firm stance points to its expectation that all individuals summoned must attend hearings. The next date, November 6, is now critical. Whether she appears will determine if the prosecution gains another piece of the puzzle, or if the court’s warning becomes a precedent for future cases involving high-profile witnesses.
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