Rajpal Yadav gets interim bail in ₹9 crore cheque bounce case, deposits ₹1.5 crore, passport surrendered, next hearing March 18
New Delhi: Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has received interim relief from the Delhi High Court in a long-running cheque bounce case. On February 16, 2026, the court granted him interim bail and suspended his jail sentence until March 18, 2026. The case will now be heard again on that date.
However, the relief comes with strict conditions. The court has directed Rajpal Yadav to surrender his passport and not leave the country without permission. He must also submit a bail bond of ₹1 lakh along with a surety. The court has said that he must appear at the next hearing either in person or through video conferencing.
The interim bail was granted after Yadav deposited ₹1.5 crore towards the pending amount in the case.
Why Was Rajpal Yadav Sent to Jail?
Rajpal Yadav surrendered and was sent to Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026. This happened after the Delhi High Court refused to give him more time to clear his dues in the cheque bounce case.
The court had earlier shown displeasure over repeated delays in payment. Despite being given several chances, Yadav failed to stick to the deadlines he had promised before the court.
The cases were filed by a Delhi-based company called M/s Murali Projects Pvt. Ltd.
How Did the Case Begin?
The matter goes back to around 2010. The actor had received a ₹5 crore loan from Murali Projects Pvt. Ltd. to make his directorial debut film Ata Pata Laapata, which was released in 2012.
The movie turned out to be a box office flop. Because of the film’s failure, Yadav could not repay the loan on time.
To secure the loan, Yadav and his wife had issued several post-dated cheques to the company. The cheques could not be cleared as the account did not have enough balance.
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After the cheques were dishonoured, the company filed cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. In India, cheque bounce is treated as a criminal offence under this law.
Over time, the original loan amount, along with interest, penalties and legal expenses, reportedly increased to nearly ₹9 crore. In total, around seven cases were filed against the actor.
Conviction and Court Proceedings
In April 2018, a metropolitan magistrate’s court convicted Rajpal Yadav in the cheque bounce cases and sentenced him to six months in jail. The court also imposed financial penalties.
In 2019, a sessions court upheld the conviction and sentence. After that, Yadav approached the Delhi High Court for relief.
In June 2024, the High Court temporarily suspended his sentence to give him time to settle the matter with the complainant. This relief was conditional. He was expected to make genuine efforts to repay the money.
However, over the next several months, Yadav failed to meet multiple payment deadlines that he had committed to in court. The judges noted that he repeatedly gave assurances but did not fulfil them.
Court’s Strong Remarks
The Delhi High Court made it clear that repeated non-compliance with court undertakings cannot be ignored. The bench observed that Rajpal Yadav had been given enough opportunities but did not honour his commitments within the promised time.
The court also stressed that being a celebrity does not place anyone above the law. Legal rules and responsibilities apply equally to everyone.
After repeated chances and missed deadlines, the court directed him to surrender and serve his sentence. Following this order, Yadav surrendered and was sent to Tihar Jail earlier this month.
Interim Bail After ₹1.5 Crore Payment
After going to jail, Rajpal Yadav filed an application seeking interim bail. One of the reasons mentioned was that he wanted to attend his niece’s wedding on February 19.
During the hearing on February 16, his lawyer informed the court that ₹1.5 crore had been deposited in the account of Murali Projects Pvt. Ltd. Considering this payment, the High Court granted him interim bail until March 18.
Although this payment helped him get temporary relief, a large portion of the nearly ₹9 crore liability is still pending.
What Happens Next?
The case will now be heard again on March 18, 2026. The court is expected to review whether Rajpal Yadav has followed all bail conditions and examine the status of the remaining payment.
Based on the next hearing, the court will decide the future course of action in the case.
Reactions and Larger Impact
Rajpal Yadav is a well-known comic actor who has worked in more than 200 films, including popular movies like Phir Hera Pheri. News of his legal troubles has drawn attention across the film industry.
After he surrendered earlier this month, several members of the film fraternity reportedly extended support and even offered him work opportunities to help him during this difficult time.
This case has also highlighted how serious cheque bounce offences are in India. The law under Section 138 says that if a cheque is returned unpaid, the person who issued it can face criminal charges, including jail.
As the next hearing approaches, the focus will be on whether Yadav can clear his remaining dues and comply with the court’s directions. The final outcome will depend on what happens when the matter comes up again on March 18.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
