There seems to be no quick way out for Rajpal Yadav as his legal battle in the long-running cheque bounce case continues. The Delhi High Court has adjourned his bail plea to February 16, even as his lawyer insists that substantial payments have already been made toward the disputed amount.
The actor is currently lodged in Tihar Jail after surrendering earlier this month.
“He Has Already Paid Half”
Speaking outside court, advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay stated that Rajpal has paid ₹2.5 crore out of the original ₹5 crore loan taken for his 2012 directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. He also revealed that around ₹1 crore had previously been deposited with the court registry and that a cheque of ₹25 lakh was brought to court during the latest hearing.
According to the lawyer, the financial dispute ballooned over the years. What began as ₹5 crore allegedly grew to ₹11 crore due to accumulated dues and interest, with the current liability standing close to ₹9 crore.
Upadhyay argued that imprisonment in such matters should not hinge solely on prior undertakings, adding that the legal team is willing to deposit further sums as directed by the court.
He also mentioned that they attempted to meet Rajpal in jail for instructions but were unable to do so, and will seek further clarity before the next hearing.
How the Case Began
The dispute dates back to 2010, when Rajpal reportedly borrowed ₹5 crore from Delhi-based Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed commercially, leading to financial losses and eventually, litigation.
In 2018, a magistrate court convicted the actor under the Negotiable Instruments Act for cheque dishonour and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment. A sessions court upheld the conviction in 2019.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court declined to grant him additional time in the case, prompting his surrender on February 5.
Court’s Strong Observations
During the recent hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reportedly made sharp observations, stating that the actor’s imprisonment stemmed from failing to honour his own commitments made in court.
The judge also questioned his plea for suspension of sentence on grounds of a family wedding, pointing out that he had previously admitted liability while entering into settlement discussions.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Monday.
A Career Under Shadow
Rajpal Yadav, known for memorable roles in comedies like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama, and Chup Chup Ke, has been a staple of Bollywood’s comic landscape for over two decades.
But this prolonged legal dispute has cast a long shadow over his professional life.
Final Words
The numbers are clear — payments have been made, but the court appears unconvinced about compliance timelines and prior commitments. For Rajpal Yadav, the coming hearing could prove crucial.
Until then, the actor remains behind bars, with his legal team working to convince the court that the matter is, at its core, a financial dispute that deserves settlement rather than incarceration.
Monday’s proceedings will determine whether relief is finally within reach — or if the legal chapter grows even longer.
