Nora Fatehi’s Testimony in Sukesh Chandrashekhar Case Scrutinized as Defense Prepares Cross-Examination
Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi appeared before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday to testify as a prosecution witness in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.
Fatehi’s appearance before Additional Sessions Judge Gagandeep Singh followed two prior summonses. The court had previously expressed displeasure over her earlier absence, warning her not to take court proceedings for granted. Defense counsel noted that proceedings were briefly delayed on Wednesday prior to her arrival.
During her deposition, Fatehi reiterated that she attended a charity event in Chennai in December 2020 strictly as an hired artist and received no payment. However, the defense challenged this account, pointing to her earlier statements to investigating agencies regarding luxury items—including a designer handbag, an iPhone, and a BMW car—allegedly linked to the event. The defense stated these discrepancies will be formally addressed during cross-examination.
Addressing Fatehi’s status in the case, defense counsel invoked Section 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which permits a trial court to add any individual as an accused if trial evidence suggests their involvement in the crime.
In an official statement, Advocate Anant Malik, representing Chandrashekhar, said:
“Nobody disputes that Ms. Fatehi has been summoned as a witness. But a summons is not a certificate of innocence, and it is certainly not a licence to treat the Court’s time as optional… What the public has heard today is a handful of rehearsed lines. Cross-examination is where that story will be tested. The defence will place documents and material before the Hon’ble Court, and if that material shows her role was larger than she admits, we will seek appropriate orders, strictly in accordance with law, including under Section 319 CrPC. Celebrity or not, every witness stands equal before the law.”
The defense expressed full confidence in the judicial process, confirming that its evidence and counter-arguments will be formally introduced during the upcoming cross-examination phase.
