Rajpal Yadav Sentenced to Six Months in Tihar Jail Over Rs 5 Crore Loan Case
Rajpal Yadav Sentenced to Six Months in Tihar Jail Over Rs 5 Crore Loan Case
Popular Bollywood comedian Rajpal Yadav, known for his comic roles in numerous films, has surrendered at Delhi's Tihar Jail to serve a six-month sentence in a long-running cheque bounce case involving a Rs 5 crore loan that ultimately grew to Rs 7 crore with accrued interest.
The Origin of the Financial Dispute
The case dates back to 2010 when Rajpal Yadav and his wife Radha Yadav reportedly borrowed Rs 5 crore for producing the film "Ata Pata Lapata." With promised returns, the liability eventually grew and was later settled at Rs 7 crore. Trouble began when repayment cheques repeatedly bounced, triggering legal action against the actor.
Legal Proceedings and Criminal Charges
The issue formally came to light in 2018 when a production company filed a complaint against the actor. Multiple bounced cheques pushed the lender to court, turning what began as a financial disagreement into a criminal offence under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
A magistrate court found Rajpal Yadav guilty of cheque dishonour under Section 138 and sentenced him to six months in jail for breach of trust, marking a major shift from negotiation to punishment in the long-running dispute.
Extended Legal Battle
In 2019, a sessions court upheld the sentence, but Rajpal and his wife challenged the order in the Delhi High Court. The legal process delayed imprisonment for years, allowing the actor temporary relief while settlement talks continued. In 2024, the High Court suspended the six-month jail term, giving Rajpal time to pay dues.
His lawyers claimed ₹40 lakh was prepared and the remaining amount would be cleared soon, raising hopes of resolving the case financially.
Court's Final Decision and Surrender
At a February 4 hearing, the Delhi High Court refused to grant more time. The court stressed that repeated extensions were unfair and ordered Rajpal Yadav to finally serve the sentence, closing the door on further postponements.
After missing an earlier reporting date, Rajpal Yadav surrendered to authorities at Tihar Jail. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted his non-appearance as disrespectful, and the actor was formally admitted to serve his six-month term.
Impact on Bollywood Community
The case highlights the serious legal consequences of financial disputes in the entertainment industry. While Rajpal Yadav is best known for his comedic roles in films like "Chup Chup Ke," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "Phir Hera Pheri," his current situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial responsibility and adherence to legal commitments.
The Bollywood community has followed the case with interest, as it represents one of the few instances where a prominent actor has been sentenced to jail time over financial matters rather than criminal charges.