Rajpal Yadav Gets More Time in Cheque-Bounce Case, Agrees to Pay ₹2 Crore

Actor Rajpal Yadav has received additional time from the Supreme Court to make a payment connected with a long-running cheque-bounce dispute. During the latest hearing, the actor agreed to arrange ₹2 crore, with ₹1.15 crore to be deposited first and the remaining ₹85 lakh to follow by October 13.

The matter is linked to a series of cheque-dishonour cases involving Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. A three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, considered the actor's request for additional time.

Court sets a fresh payment schedule

Under the latest arrangement reported from the hearing, Yadav agreed to deposit ₹1.15 crore by October 7, followed by another ₹85 lakh by October 13.

The development comes after the Supreme Court had previously directed him to deposit ₹2 crore and had expressed strong displeasure over the failure to comply with its earlier deadline.

The court has now listed the matter for another hearing after the additional period.

What is the dispute about?

The case originates from financial assistance associated with a film project. According to the complainant's case, Yadav had received around ₹5 crore and subsequently issued several cheques as part of an arrangement to repay the amount.

The cheques were later dishonoured, leading to criminal proceedings under cheque-bounce provisions. The dispute subsequently moved through the courts, eventually reaching the Supreme Court.

The Delhi High Court had earlier upheld convictions in the cheque-bounce matters and imposed imprisonment in the cases. The Supreme Court proceedings are now focused in part on payment and the actor's challenge to the earlier orders.

Rajpal Yadav explains his financial difficulties

During the latest hearing, Yadav told the court that he had suffered substantial financial losses connected with the film project at the centre of the dispute.

He also claimed that legal and production-related difficulties over several years had caused additional losses. These statements represent the actor's account of the dispute and have not been treated here as findings by the court.

Yadav also indicated that he had started receiving work again and would make efforts to clear the outstanding amount.

Supreme Court had earlier warned the actor

The latest development follows a series of stern observations from the Supreme Court.

On September 15, the court had given Yadav what it described as a final opportunity to present a concrete payment plan and had directed him to deposit ₹2 crore. When the amount was not deposited within the stipulated period, the court criticised the failure to follow its order and warned of serious consequences.

The court's approach has been influenced by the need to ensure that the complainant has a meaningful opportunity to recover the money while Yadav's legal challenge remains under consideration.

The legal battle is still continuing

The latest payment arrangement does not by itself bring the entire dispute to an end. The underlying cases and Yadav's legal proceedings remain before the courts.

For now, the immediate focus is on whether the actor follows the fresh payment schedule fixed during the latest proceedings. The next hearing is expected to examine the position after the additional time granted by the Supreme Court.

The case highlights the importance of complying with court-ordered payment commitments, particularly when an accused person is seeking relief while challenging an earlier conviction or sentence.