No relief to Rajpal Yadav in cheque bounce case, next hearing on Feb 16

The Delhi High Court on Thursday adjourned actor Rajpal Yadav’s bail hearing in the long-running cheque bounce case to February 16, directing that the matter be taken up next week. The actor will continue to remain lodged in Tihar Jail after the court deferred the hearing, noting procedural aspects and seeking a response from the complainant side.

During the hearing, the court observed that Yadav had appeared multiple times earlier and had given assurances regarding repayment of the pending amount. It remarked that he had gone to jail not merely because of a court order but due to failure to comply with commitments made before the court in the course of settlement proceedings.

The case pertains to financial dues arising from funds received for the production of the film Ata Pata Laapata. While the initial amount involved was around ₹5 crore, the total liability reportedly rose to nearly ₹9 crore over time following bounced cheques and accrued obligations under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Yadav has maintained that the amount was an investment and not a loan.

Earlier, the High Court had granted conditional relief in 2024, expecting steps towards repayment. However, citing non-compliance and repeated adjournments, the court directed him to surrender. Yadav complied with the directive and surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5 after his appeal failed to secure relief.

Several members of the film fraternity have expressed support for the actor during the legal battle. The matter will now be heard on February 16, when the court is expected to consider the bail application and responses on record.