Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case, bringing temporary relief to the 54-year-old comedian who had recently surrendered to serve a six-month jail term. The decision comes just days after he was lodged in Tihar Jail on February 5.
The relief was granted by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who took note of a significant development during the hearing. The court observed that Rajpal Yadav had deposited ₹1.5 crore into the bank account of the complainant company, Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. Considering this payment, the court allowed interim bail, offering the actor temporary freedom while the case continues.
The legal dispute stems from an alleged cheque dishonour involving ₹9 crore. According to the complaint filed by Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, a cheque issued in connection with a financial transaction was returned unpaid. The matter was pursued under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with cheque bounce cases and prescribes penalties including imprisonment.
Earlier, a lower court had convicted Rajpal Yadav and sentenced him to six months in jail. Following the conviction, the actor surrendered before authorities and began serving his sentence in Tihar Jail. His surrender had sparked discussion in legal and film circles, given his long-standing presence in the Hindi film industry.
The High Court’s interim relief does not amount to an acquittal. Instead, it acknowledges the partial payment made and provides Yadav an opportunity as further proceedings unfold. Legal experts note that in cheque bounce cases, courts often consider repayment efforts and settlement possibilities while deciding on interim relief applications.
Rajpal Yadav, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles, has appeared in numerous Bollywood films over the years. His performances have earned him recognition as one of the industry’s most dependable character actors. The current legal setback has drawn considerable public attention, with many awaiting the next developments in the case.
For now, the interim bail offers a pause in what has been a challenging phase for the actor. The matter remains pending before the court, and future hearings will determine whether a complete settlement is reached or the legal proceedings continue.