Full Breakdown
Rajpal Yadav’s Supreme Court Hearing on a Long-Running Cheque-Bounce Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 7, 2026 a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India—Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana—heard actor Rajpal Yadav’s petition in cheque-bounce cases filed by M/s Murli Projects Pvt Ltd. The court reiterated its direction that Yadav deposit INR2 crore in the registry and ordered the remaining INR85 lakh to be paid by October 13, 2026, warning that non-compliance could lead to enhanced imprisonment.
Background & Context
The dispute stems from a INR5 crore loan advanced in 2010 to finance Yadav’s directorial debut *Ata Pata Laapata*. An agreement in 2012 required repayment of roughly INR11 crore (principal plus interest). In 2013 Yadav issued seven cheques of INR1.05 crore each; all were dishonoured, prompting criminal complaints under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Delhi High Court upheld Yadav’s conviction and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment, refusing to condone a 1,894-day delay in filing revision petitions. Earlier Supreme Court orders (September 8 and 15) granted Yadav interim protection from surrender on the condition of depositing INR5 crore and later INR2 crore as a “last opportunity.”
Data & Statistics
- Loan (2010): INR5 crore
- Liability per 2012 agreement: ~INR11 crore
- Payments made: INR1.15 crore deposited; INR85 lakh pending
- Dishonoured cheques: 7 (INR1.05 crore each)
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Justice Surya Kant urged Yadav to restore his professional reputation, noting that a good film could “rebuild your image.” Senior advocate P.S. Patwalia, representing Yadav, said a prospective buyer of the actor’s ancestral property was ready to provide the pending INR85 lakh via demand draft; the court accepted this proposal and will fix a schedule for the balance payment.
Criticism & Opposition
Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed displeasure with Yadav’s repeated non-compliance, describing the conduct as “arrogance” needing correction. Senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, counsel for Murli Projects, accused Yadav of “acting” in the courtroom and lacking respect for the institution.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on the total exposure. Some cite the original INR5 crore loan, while others, quoting Yadav, refer to a cumulative liability of INR22 crore. No source reconciles these figures, leaving the exact outstanding amount ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Should we just give him what he deserves, a dismissal? This arrogance needs to be put in its right place..You should know when to open your mouth..Your place is in jail..” — Justice Joymalya Bagchi
- “I have done 250 films over the last 16 years. I invested Rs 5 crore in this film and ended up losing Rs 250 crore.” — Rajpal Yadav
- “This is a Merchant of Venice type of case, Your Lordship.” — Rajpal Yadav
What’s Next
The Supreme Court has set a deadline of October 13, 2026 for payment of the remaining INR85 lakh. Upon receipt, the bench will lay down a schedule for the balance and list the matter for further hearing. Failure to meet the deadline may result in dismissal of Yadav’s appeal and a stricter sentence, as indicated by the bench.