Delhi High Court Orders Rajpal Yadav To Return To Jail After Upholding Conviction In Cheque Bounce Case

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has suffered a major legal setback as the Delhi High Court upheld his conviction in a long-standing cheque bounce case relating to the funding of his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. On July 10, his appeal was dismissed by the court, which described his conduct as "dubious" and ordered the authorities to return him to jail for three months. Rajpal Yadav, known for his memorable performances in films like Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Chup Chup Ke, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Partner, was recently seen in Welcome to the Jungle, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and Bhooth Bangla.According to Bar and Bench, the court also ordered the actor to pay Rs 1.05 crore in each case. His wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, was ordered to pay a fine

of over Rs 5 lakh in each case.

Rajpal Yadav's cheque bounce case dates to 2010

The latest ruling from the High Court is another major chapter in a legal dispute that has dogged him for more than a decade. The problem dates back to 2010 when Yadav had borrowed Rs 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance his ambitious directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. But the film bombed at the box office and the actor was left unable to pay back the loan, which led to a long legal battle.In April 2018, a magistrate court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife Radha Yadav under the provisions relating to cheque dishonour and sentenced them to six months' imprisonment. The sessions court had upheld the conviction in early 2019, and the actor challenged the verdict in the Delhi High Court.The High Court had, during the proceedings, provided interim relief by staying the sentence of Yadav in June 2024, while asking him to make sincere efforts to clear the outstanding dues which had reportedly swollen to almost Rs 9 crore. But the court then pointed out he had repeatedly failed to fulfill the promises made as to repayment.

High Court directs Rajpal Yadav

The actor was directed to surrender by the High Court earlier this year after it found that he had not complied with its earlier directions. Yadav had publicly expressed his financial distress before surrendering, saying he did not have the money required to settle the dues and could see no alternative. He was lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail following the order before getting bail in February.The latest judgment has now confirmed the earlier conviction by the High Court and has directed that Yadav be taken into custody again.During the legal proceedings, the actor was supported by several members of the Hindi film industry. Actors like Sonu Sood, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan and Gurmeet Choudhary are said to have come forward either with financial help or public appeal for help on his behalf. Some filmmakers and music producers have also signed him for their upcoming projects and made advance payments to ease his financial burden.