The Delhi High Court has sentenced Indian actor Rajpal Yadav to three months imprisonment in each of seven cheque bounce cases, with the sentences to run concurrently. The court also ordered Yadav to pay INR10.5 million in each case, totaling INR73.5 million, along with an additional INR25,000 to the state. According to Indian media reports, the actor has already paid INR22.5 million, which will be deducted from the final payable amount. The court warned that failure to pay the total ordered amount would result in an additional six months imprisonment.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal dispute dates back to 2010 when Murli Projects Private Limited extended a loan of INR50 million to Yadav for the production of his film Ata Pata Laapata. After the film performed poorly at the box office, the actor failed to repay the loan. In August 2024, Yadav's property was seized over the non-payment, and in February 2026, he spent several days in jail before securing interim relief after depositing a partial amount.
Court's Decision and Appeal Options
The Delhi High Court granted Yadav two months to file an appeal if he wishes to challenge the verdict. The court stated that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning the actor will serve a total of three months imprisonment. According to Gulf News, Yadav had previously stated that the issue was not solely about money. "I was not jailed because I didn’t have money. It was about a larger issue and a matter of principle," the actor said.
Current Status
Currently, the case remains subject to appeal, with the court granting the actor a small sentence and the ability to challenge the verdict. The actor has already paid INR22.5 million, which will be deducted from the final payable amount. The court warned that failure to pay the total ordered amount would result in an additional six months imprisonment.
