Entertainment
Rajpal Yadav Gets 3-Month Jail Term in Cheque Bounce Case: Delhi High Court Refuses Probation, Says ‘Never Think the Judge Weak…’
The Delhi High Court upheld Rajpal Yadav’s conviction in the long-running cheque bounce case linked to the financing of Ata Pata Laapata, while directing compensation worth crores to the complainant.
New Delhi: In a significant legal setback for Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, the Delhi High Court has upheld his conviction in the long-running cheque bounce case and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment. The sentence applies to seven separate cases, with all jail terms set to run concurrently.
The High Court has also granted the actor two months to approach a higher appellate court if he wishes to challenge the verdict.
Court Orders Compensation Worth Crores
Apart from the prison sentence, the Court directed Rajpal Yadav to pay 1.05 crore in each of the seven cases to the complainant. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay 1.04 crore to the complainant along with 25,000 to the State.
ALSO READ : Rajpal Yadav Jail Sentence Explained… How a Failed Film Project Turned Into a 16-Year Legal Battle
His wife, Radha Yadav, has also been directed to pay 5.51 lakh to the complainant in each case. However, the Court clarified that the 2.25 crore already deposited by the actor will be adjusted against the final liability.
High Court Refuses Probation
The Court declined to grant probation to the actor after examining his conduct throughout the prolonged legal proceedings.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned inconsistencies in the submissions made on behalf of the actor. Observing the repeated violations of earlier assurances, the Court remarked that commitments made before the judiciary must be honoured. It also warned that failure to pay the imposed fine could result in an additional six months of imprisonment.
A Legal Battle That Began Over a Film
The dispute dates back to 2010, when Rajpal Yadav borrowed 5 crore from Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd. to finance his film Ata Pata Laapata.
Unfortunately, the film failed to perform at the box office, triggering financial difficulties and eventually leading to the cheque dishonour case. In 2018, a trial court convicted the actor under the provisions related to cheque bounce and sentenced him to six months in jail. That decision was upheld the following year.
Over time, the outstanding liability reportedly increased to nearly 9 crore due to unpaid dues and related obligations.
Repeated Assurances Failed to Resolve the Dispute
The Delhi High Court had earlier suspended Rajpal Yadav‘s sentence after he assured the Court that he would settle the dispute. However, those commitments, including a proposed instalment payment of 2.5 crore, were reportedly not fulfilled.
In February 2026, the Court directed the actor to surrender after observing non-compliance with its earlier directions. He surrendered on February 5 and remained in custody for a few days before securing interim relief after depositing 1.5 crore.
With the latest verdict, the High Court has reaffirmed the earlier conviction while making it clear that compliance with judicial undertakings is essential.
