Supreme Court Dismisses 'Conman' Sukesh Chandrasekhar's Wife Leena Paulose's Plea In Extortion Case

Paulose had filed an SLP against the Delhi High Court's order dated May 20, 2024, which adjourned her bail plea to July 2024.

A vacation Bench of Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and Augustine George Masih noted that the plea, before the High Court, was filed on May 14 and then the notice was issued on May 20. Stating thus, the Court said “You have been in prison for two years and eight months, as soon as you come to the Court you require an order.”

As per the allegations, the complainant had received a call from one landline number on her mobile phone in which the caller (Chandrashekar) introduced himself as a senior officer in Ministry of Law. He proposed to help her in securing bail for her husband who was in judicial custody in cases related to Religare Enterprises Ltd.

It was further alleged that the said caller demanded a sum of Rs. 20 Crores from the complainant to get the work done and conveyed the modalities regarding the delivery of money. The caller further, through his associates, extorted money from the complainant on multiple occasions. The money extorted was to the tune of Rs. 214 Crores.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused and his wife, Leena Paulose, were allegedly involved in running an organized crime syndicate with their associates since 2013 with the motive of pecuniary gain by cheating and extortion. It was further revealed that the accused, Sukesh Chandra Sekhar, is involved in several cases of attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, cheating and extortion by way of impersonating high-ranking officials.

Last year, Delhi High Court had denied bail to Paulose observing that the case is of a very sensitive nature and prima facie accused is involved in offences of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA).

It added that the record indicated that Leena Paulse was involved in the “organized crime syndicate” and that it was unbelievable that such a huge amount of money was coming into her account and she was accepting the same only as a “dutiful wife.” Subsequently, the order was affirmed by the Supreme Court as well. Post this, she filed another recent bail plea, and the same was under scanner before the Apex Court yesterday. 

During the proceedings, the vacation bench made it clear that accelerated proceedings in the case cannot be sought. When the Counsel requested the Court for expedited proceedings, Justice Kumar said, “Not for us to arrange the board of the High Court.” Thus, the Court ordered:

“Special Leave Petition is dismissed. Pending applications shall also stand dismissed.”

Case Title: Leena Paulose vs State of NCT of Delhi., DIARY NO. - 26026/2024

Click here to read/ download the order