Delhi High Court Denies Immediate Relief to Rajpal Yadav, Bail Hearing Adjourned to February 16
Court criticizes actor for breaking commitments in Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case; Bollywood fraternity rallies with financial support
NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to grant immediate relief to Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav in his decade-long cheque bounce case, postponing the bail hearing to February 16 after the complainant was directed to file a response.
During the proceedings before Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, the court made sharp observations about the actor’s conduct, highlighting his failure to honor previous commitments made before the judiciary.
Court’s Strong Rebuke
The bench noted that Yadav is currently imprisoned specifically because he failed to fulfill obligations he had repeatedly promised to honor. According to reports, the court stated that on multiple occasions—nearly two dozen times—the actor had assured the court he would settle the financial dispute, but failed to follow through.
The hearing was adjourned after Yadav’s counsel informed the court that he had been unable to establish contact with his client despite multiple attempts. The lawyer requested additional time until Monday, assuring the court he would present a comprehensive submission by then.
Background of the Financial Dispute
The legal troubles stem from a loan of Rs 5 crore that Yadav obtained from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd in 2010 to finance his directorial debut film “Ata Pata Laapata.” When the movie failed commercially, earning only Rs 42 lakh at the box office against its production costs, the actor encountered severe financial difficulties.
The unpaid principal amount, combined with accumulated interest and penalties over the years, has reportedly ballooned to approximately Rs 9 crore. Multiple cheques issued by the actor in connection with the loan subsequently bounced, triggering criminal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
In April 2018, a magistrate’s court convicted both Yadav and his wife under Section 138 of the Act and sentenced them to six months imprisonment. The trial court’s sentence was initially suspended to facilitate settlement discussions, but the High Court found that Yadav consistently failed to meet payment deadlines despite receiving numerous extensions.
Recent Developments
Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, following the Delhi High Court’s directive after the judiciary withdrew the leniency previously extended to him. Before his surrender, the actor made a final personal appearance before the court with a cheque for Rs 25 lakh, promising to pay the remaining amount. However, the court maintained that surrender was mandatory before any further consideration of relief.
According to his legal team, Yadav has deposited Rs 75 lakh toward the outstanding debt so far, though a substantial portion remains unpaid.
Industry Support Pours In
In response to Yadav’s predicament, numerous Bollywood celebrities and public figures have extended both financial and moral support. Actor Sonu Sood publicly pledged to cast Yadav in his upcoming film with a signing amount, framing the gesture as providing dignity rather than charity.
Other prominent industry figures including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan have reportedly reached out to offer assistance. Music producer Rao Inderjeet Singh announced a contribution of Rs 1.11 crore, while actors Gurmeet Choudhary and politician Tej Pratap Yadav have also pledged financial aid.
Yadav’s wife, Radha Yadav, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the film industry. “Everybody has stood by him. The industry has been supportive, a big thank you to everyone who is coming out to help,” she stated.
Goldie Jain, who has managed Yadav for 25 years, confirmed that several industry heavyweights have initiated efforts to help the actor, though the exact nature and extent of assistance remains to be determined.
Legal Observations
The Delhi High Court had previously noted that the trial court’s sentence was suspended in June 2024 specifically to provide Yadav time to settle the matter amicably. However, the court observed that despite clear deadlines fixed on multiple occasions, payments amounting to several crores were not made within stipulated timelines.
The judiciary rejected explanations offered for technical errors in demand drafts, stating they were unconvincing given that commitments were made openly through senior legal counsel based on the actor’s own instructions.
What’s Next
The bail application will be heard on Monday, February 16, after the complainant files their response. Yadav’s family and legal team remain hopeful for a favorable outcome, though the court’s stern observations about past conduct may influence future proceedings.
The 54-year-old actor, known for his comic roles in films like “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” and “Chup Chup Ke,” continues to serve his six-month sentence in Tihar Jail as the legal battle enters what could be a decisive phase.
