New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has postponed the bail hearing of Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav in a long-running check bounce case, meaning the actor will remain in custody for at least four more nights.
Justice Swarnakanta Sharma, presiding over the case, issued a notice to the complainant and scheduled the next hearing for February 16. Until then, Yadav will continue to be lodged at Tihar Jail, one of India’s largest correctional facilities.
Court Raises Concerns Over Conduct
During the hearing on February 12, the High Court expressed concerns about Yadav’s conduct, noting that he had previously challenged court orders in the Supreme Court but failed to obtain any relief. Earlier, on February 5, the High Court declined to grant him interim protection and directed him to surrender immediately, which he complied with.
Conviction by Trial Court
Yadav was convicted by the Karkardooma Court in multiple check bounce cases and sentenced accordingly. Although the High Court had suspended his sentence in June 2024, citing that he was not a habitual offender, the suspension was later revisited due to non-compliance with court conditions.
The trial court had imposed a fine of ₹160 million (approximately $1.9 million) on Yadav. His wife, Radha Yadav, was also fined ₹1 million per case. The penalties relate to seven separate cases under India’s check dishonor laws.
Dispute Over Film Financing
The complainant, Murli Projects Private Limited, told the court that in April 2010, Yadav sought financial assistance to complete his film Ata Pata Laapata. A formal agreement was signed on May 30, 2010, under which Yadav’s company received a loan of ₹50 million.
Under the agreement, the actor was required to repay ₹80 million with interest. After failing to repay the amount, the agreement was renewed three times. In the final settlement dated August 9, 2012, Yadav allegedly agreed to repay over ₹111 million but again defaulted.
Actor Denies Borrowing
In his defense, Yadav claimed that the funds were not a loan but an investment made by the complainant company. However, the trial court rejected this argument and held him guilty of issuing dishonored checks.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Yadav’s prominence in Indian cinema. The High Court is expected to decide on his bail plea during the next hearing.