Rajpal Yadav To Remain In Jail: Delhi HC Fixes February 16 Hearing, Flags Years Of Non-Payment

Actor Rajpal Yadav remained in Tihar Jail on Thursday as the Delhi High Court took up his bail plea in a long-running cheque bounce case linked to a film loan. The court heard arguments through the afternoon and fixed the matter for further hearing on Monday, even as several voices from the film industry rallied behind him.

High Court Questions Delay In Payment

During the hearing, a single judge bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the actor had delayed payment to the complainant company for years and had not complied with earlier settlement terms. As per reports, the court noted that Yadav had acknowledged the dues in the past and assured payment but failed to deposit the promised amounts.

His counsel sought suspension of sentence citing a marriage in the family and informed the court that around ₹2 crore remained to be settled. The bench issued notice to the respondent on the bail plea and scheduled the next hearing for Monday.

Earlier, the High Court had directed him to surrender on February 2, observing that he had repeatedly breached undertakings given to clear the dues. Yadav had surrendered to the authorities and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

Emotional Surrender And Family's Response

Moments before surrendering, Rajpal Yadav made an emotional statement. Breaking down, he was quoted as saying, "Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta... Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own. (Sir, what should I do? I don't have the money. I see no other way... Sir, here we are all alone.)"

Speaking to PTI, his wife Radha Yadav said, "Everybody has stood by him. The industry has been supportive, a big thank you to everyone who is coming out to help."

Goldie Jain, his manager of 25 years, said, "People have taken the initiative to help. They all have promised to help, it doesn't mean financially only. It's true that (Salman, Ajay, Varun and David Dhawan) these people have called. In what capacity and how they will help, that is yet to be known. They are all well-wishers of Rajpal bhai."

Industry Extends Support

Soon after he was sent to jail earlier this week, Sonu Sood announced financial support and signed him for his next film. In a social media post, he wrote, "Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us..producers, directors, colleagues to stand together. A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it's dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he's not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry."

Singer Mika Singh also pledged ₹11 lakh in support and wrote, "I have one humble request please don't just post announcements. Let's make sure we actually contribute and make it happen."

Guru Randhawa shared that he would transfer an advance for Yadav's appearance in an upcoming video. "Lets all Help our senior actor @rajpalofficial sir. Will be transferring him advance amount as feature in one of my upcoming videos. Sonu sood paji following what you started. Lets all help and get him home safe. Waheguru @sonu_sood," he wrote.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees appealed to "all producers, directors, artists, technicians, associations, and well-wishers to extend their moral and financial support to help Shri Rajpal Yadav resolve his liabilities and regain his freedom, dignity, and peace of mind."

Why Rajpal Yadav Is In Jail

The case dates back to 2010 when Rajpal Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore from Delhi-based Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office, and he was unable to repay the loan.

Seven cheques issued to the complainant bounced, leading to proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. In April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Yadav and his wife Radha, sentencing him to six months of simple imprisonment. The conviction was upheld by a sessions court in early 2019.

He later appealed in the Delhi High Court. In June 2024, the court suspended his sentence temporarily and directed him to take sincere and genuine measures to clear the outstanding dues, which had grown to nearly ₹9 crore. However, after finding repeated breaches of undertakings, the High Court directed him to surrender earlier this month.