Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has received temporary relief from the Delhi High Court in the long-running 90 million Indian rupee check bounce case that resurfaced dramatically earlier this month.
The court has suspended his sentence and granted him bail to attend his niece’s wedding on February 19. However, the relief is temporary and does not amount to a final acquittal, as legal proceedings against the actor continue.
Recent reports indicate that Yadav sought permission to attend his niece’s wedding, prompting the court’s decision. While granting bail, the high court directed the actor to remain present -- either physically or virtually -- at the next major hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.
The order offers short-term relief but keeps the legal pressure firmly in place.
Case dates back to 2010 loan
The case originates from 2010, when Yadav borrowed 50 million Indian rupees from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.
The film, released in 2012, failed at the box office, leaving the actor unable to repay the loan. The financial dispute escalated into multiple cheque bounce cases, and over the years, accumulated interest and penalties reportedly pushed the outstanding amount to nearly 90 million INR.
In 2018, Yadav was sentenced to six months in prison in connection with the case. He served three months in Tihar Jail before being released on bail pending appeal.
The matter regained urgency this month after the Delhi High Court observed that the actor had breached multiple undertakings to settle the dues.
February developments
On February 2, 2026, the court noted that despite more than 25 adjournments granted for mediation and repayment discussions, there was a lack of “sincere and genuine measures” taken to clear the liability.
After refusing to grant further extensions, the court directed action. Yadav surrendered on February 5 and was sent back to Tihar Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.
During subsequent hearings on February 12 and 16, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized that restitution for the complainant remains the court’s top priority.
The bench also rejected a proposal to deposit funds through a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR), instructing that payments be made via Demand Draft (DD) to ensure immediate realization of funds.
Partial payment deposited
Amid the ongoing proceedings, members of the film fraternity reportedly stepped forward to provide financial support. As of mid-February, Yadav’s legal team informed the court that approximately 15 million INR had been deposited into the respondent’s bank account.
While the temporary bail allows the actor to attend a family function, the larger financial and legal battle remains unresolved, with the next key hearing set for March 18.
