PC(IMDb, Amar Ujala )
Actor Walks Into Custody After Court Rejects Final Plea
Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered before authorities at Tihar Jail on Thursday following his conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases. The surrender came after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him further time to clear long-pending dues, making it clear that legal accountability applies equally to celebrities and common citizens.
The Case That Began With a Film Dream
The legal battle dates back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata.Under the agreement, the actor committed to repaying 8 crore. Unfortunately, the film failed to perform at the box office, leaving him under severe financial stress.
Bounced Cheques Trigger Legal Action
Following the film’s failure, the production firm alleged that seven cheques issued by Yadav towards repayment bounced. This led to criminal proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with cheque dishonour cases. 2018 Conviction: Jail Term for Actor and Wife. In April 2018, a Magistrate’s Court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife, sentencing them to six months’ imprisonment. The actor challenged the verdict through multiple appeals and legal remedies, which resulted in.
Partial Payments, Mounting Frustration
During the prolonged legal process, Yadav repaid parts of the outstanding amount. Notably, he deposited ₹75 lakh in 2025. However, the court observed repeated delays and missed deadlines, questioning the actor’s seriousness in settling the matter. Over time, the unpaid amount continued to swell, further complicating his legal position.
High Court Draws the Line
On February 4, 2026, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court dismissed Yadav’s final request for a one-week extension to arrange funds. The court firmly stated that repeated leniency cannot be granted, regardless of an individual’s fame or public image, and directed the actor to surrender immediately.
From Laughter to Legal Trouble
Known for making audiences laugh through his comic roles, Rajpal Yadav’s real-life story has taken a grim turn. His surrender marks the end of a long legal chapter that began with cinematic ambition but ended in financial collapse and imprisonment.