'Send me to jail five more times': Rajpal Yadav as court reserves judgment in cheque bounce case

The legal saga surrounding Rajpal Yadav has taken another dramatic turn as the Delhi High Court reserved its verdict on the actor's long-standing cheque bounce case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma didn't mince words during the proceedings, expressing blatant frustration over the Ata Pata Laapata director's allegedly shifting stance on his debts.

The judge noted a sharp disconnect between the actor’s previous legal undertakings and his current arguments, at one point warning that a judge’s kindness should never be mistaken for weakness after observing that precious judicial time was being wasted.

During the hearing, the judge said, as quoted by Indian Express, “I am not getting my answers. The undertaking said something else, and now you are saying something else.”

Complainant pushes back on delay and liability

Counsel for the complainant, Avneet Singh Sikka, argued that the actor’s liability was already settled in principle, pointing out that Yadav had accepted his conviction earlier. He also questioned the timing of a revision plea filed in 2024, noting an unexplained delay of 1,894 days. According to him, jail time does not wipe out dues, and repeated promises to repay have remained just that promises leading to proceedings under cheque bounce laws.

The judge also signalled frustration with how the proceedings were unfolding, cautioning that courtesy should not be mistaken for weakness, and observing that valuable court time was being wasted.

Actor rejects settlement, signals willingness for jail

The bench explored whether the dispute could be resolved outside a final judgment. The complainant indicated readiness to close the matter for Rs 6 crore, but Yadav did not agree.

Joining via video link, the actor described the financial toll the case had taken, saying he had sold five flats and made partial payments. He maintained that he could not commit to the proposed figure and, in a striking remark, said he was prepared to go back to jail multiple times if needed. He stated, “I am not emotional, send me to jail five more times.”

Court’s proposal fails to move talks forward

In an attempt to break the stalemate, the court suggested a structured payment plan of Rs 3 crore within a defined period, making it clear this was only to facilitate a resolution. The effort did not result in consensus.

The judge also voiced displeasure at how the matter was progressing, cautioning that a courteous courtroom should not be mistaken for a lenient one, and noting that judicial time was being unnecessarily stretched.

A long-running dispute and a failed film

The financial quagmire goes back to 2010, when Yadav took a loan of Rs 5 crore from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to back his film Ata Pata Laapata. The project did not succeed commercially, setting off a prolonged financial dispute.

In 2018, a trial court found him guilty under cheque dishonour provisions and sentenced him to six months in prison, a decision upheld in 2019. Since then, the outstanding amount has grown to nearly Rs 9 crore.

From assurances to custody

At various stages, the High Court had paused the sentence after Yadav assured it that payments would be made, even sending the matter for mediation. However, the court later noted that commitments, including a proposed Rs 2.5 crore instalment, were not fulfilled.

In February 2026, after continued non-compliance, the court directed him to surrender and declined further time. Yadav surrendered on February 5 and remained in custody until he secured interim relief by depositing Rs 1.5 crore.