New Delhi, 10 July
Rajpal Yadav Sentenced to 3 Months Jail in Cheque Bounce Case
Actor Rajpal Yadav sentenced to 3 months jail after the Delhi High Court on Friday upheld his conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases. The court also directed the actor to pay more than Rs 1 crore to the complainant in each of the seven complaints, while allowing adjustment of nearly Rs 2 crore that had already been paid.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma delivered the verdict, reducing the sentence from the six months originally imposed by the trial court to three months of imprisonment. However, the financial liability imposed on the actor remains substantial.
Rajpal Yadav Sentenced to 3 Months Jail in Cheque Bounce Case
The Rajpal Yadav sentenced to 3 months jail verdict comes after the Delhi High Court dismissed revision petitions filed by the actor and his wife. They had challenged a 2019 sessions court order, which had upheld their conviction by a magistrate’s court in April 2018 under the provisions related to cheque dishonour.
Justice Sharma directed Yadav to pay over Rs 1 crore in compensation to the complainant in each of the seven cheque bounce complaints. The court clarified that the approximately Rs 2 crore already deposited by the actor would be adjusted against the compensation amount.
The High Court also granted two months’ time to Rajpal Yadav to approach the appellate court against the latest order. A detailed copy of the judgment is still awaited.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute stems from a financial transaction related to the production of a film. During earlier hearings, Yadav’s counsel argued that the borrowed money had been used to finance a movie that failed at the box office, causing significant financial losses to the actor.
In June 2024, the Delhi High Court had temporarily suspended his conviction, observing that Yadav should make “sincere and genuine efforts” to reach an amicable settlement with the complainant.
However, the court later noted that the actor had repeatedly failed to honour his commitments regarding repayment.
Court Had Earlier Ordered Him to Surrender
On February 2, the High Court directed Rajpal Yadav to surrender before the authorities on February 4, stating that he had repeatedly breached the undertakings given to the court concerning repayment of the dues.
Later, on February 16, the court suspended his sentence temporarily after he deposited Rs 1.5 crore into the complainant’s bank account. This allowed him to secure temporary release from jail while the matter continued before the High Court.
What Happens Next?
With the Rajpal Yadav sentenced to 3 months jail order now pronounced, the actor has been given two months to challenge the decision before the appropriate appellate court. Until then, the High Court’s judgment remains in force.
The case highlights the legal consequences of cheque dishonour under Indian law and underscores the importance of honouring financial commitments. The detailed judgment is expected to provide further clarity on the court’s reasoning and the compensation payable by the actor.