Delhi HC upholds Rajpal Yadav's conviction in ₹9 crore cheque bounce case, reduces sentence

The Delhi High Court has upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case while reducing his sentence. A bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed the petitions filed by Yadav challenging the trial court's decision and affirmed his conviction. Despite the reduction in sentence, the actor will have to serve a jail term.

The court also rejected Yadav's plea seeking the benefit of probation under the Probation of Offenders Act. It observed that the actor was not entitled to such relief in view of his conduct during the proceedings, describing his conduct as "dubious."

The case stems from the dishonour of seven cheques worth ₹1.5 crore each, issued by Yadav. According to the complainant's counsel, the trial court had sentenced the actor to three months' imprisonment on each count and imposed a fine of ₹1.35 crore per cheque after the cheques were dishonoured.

Earlier this year, Yadav had approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's sentencing order. In February, the High Court granted him an interim suspension of sentence after he deposited ₹1.5 crore in the respondent's bank account. The interim relief, subject to Yadav furnishing a personal bond of ₹1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount, was granted to allow the actor to attend his niece's wedding.