The case relates to Yadav’s failure to repay a loan, despite multiple undertakings given before the trial court and appellate forums.

The Supreme Court has granted actor Rajpal Yadav interim relief from surrendering in connection with seven cheque bounce cases, while asking him to deposit ₹5 crore with the Registry by tomorrow.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana passed the order after the petitions filed by Yadav and his wife were orally mentioned by AoR Saurabh Trivedi.

While issuing notice making it returnable on September 15, 2026 the bench observed, “Subject to deposit of Rs.5 crores by the petitioners with the Registry of this Court by tomorrow, they are granted exemption from surrendering”.

SLP has been filed challenging the Delhi High Court's July decision upholding Bollywood actor' s conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases, refusing to interfere with the findings of the trial court and declining his plea for probation. The High Court observed that repeated breaches of undertakings and disregard for the judicial process disentitled him from seeking leniency.

Recognising that Yadav may seek further legal remedies, the High Court had granted him two months' protection from the execution of the sentence to enable him to approach a higher court.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed a batch of petitions filed by Yadav and others challenging their conviction and sentence under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

While affirming the conviction, the Court made a sharp observation on the sanctity of judicial proceedings, remarking: "Law is not a script that can be rewritten at the will of an actor."

The Court noted that despite repeated opportunities, Yadav had failed to honour his commitments to the complainant and had repeatedly defaulted on undertakings given before the courts. Refusing to extend the benefit of probation, Justice Sharma recorded that the actor had shown little regard for the judicial process.

Court also took note of a statement attributed to Yadav during the proceedings, observing that he had said he would "go to jail five more times" rather than pay the complainant. The Court treated the remark as indicative of his conduct and unwillingness to comply with legal obligations.

While maintaining the conviction, the High Court modified the sentence imposed upon the actor. It directed that Yadav shall undergo three months' simple imprisonment in each of the seven cheque bounce cases, with all sentences running concurrently. The Court also imposed a fine of ₹1.05 crore in each of the seven cases.

Court had also modified the sentence imposed upon Yadav's wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, who was also facing proceedings in the matter. She was directed to pay a fine of ₹5.51 lakh in each of the seven cheque bounce cases. In the event of default, she will undergo three months' simple imprisonment, with all default sentences to run concurrently.

The petitions arose from multiple prosecutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, concerning dishonoured cheques issued by the accused. The actor had challenged both the findings of guilt and the sentence awarded by the trial court.

Background of the Case

On April 2, the High Court had reserved its judgment in a cheque bounce case filed by M/s Murli Projects Private Limited against Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, after sharp exchanges over his shifting stand on repayment of dues. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while hearing the matter had expressed strong displeasure at inconsistencies between Yadav’s statements and submissions made by his counsel regarding willingness to settle the dispute. “Never think the judge is weak if the judge is nice to you,” the Court remarked during the hearing, underscoring its frustration over repeated delays and unfulfilled assurances.

In February 2026, the High Court directed Yadav to surrender for failing to comply with its orders. His plea seeking extension of time was rejected, following which he surrendered on February 5. He was subsequently granted interim suspension of sentence after depositing ₹1.5 crore with the complainant.

The high court had also come down sharply on the Bollywood actor, observing that his incarceration was a direct consequence of repeatedly failing to honour commitments made to the court to pay dues to the complainant. “You have gone to jail because you didn’t honour your own commitment,” Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had remarked while hearing Yadav’s bail application, which was moved on the ground of a wedding in his family.

The case relates to Yadav’s failure to repay a loan taken from the complainant, despite multiple undertakings given before the trial court and appellate forums. After continued non-compliance with court directions and failure to honour settlement assurances, Yadav was taken into custody to serve his sentence. Yadav surrendered to authorities on January 12, 2026, after a non-bailable warrant was issued against him in connection with a cheque bounce and recovery case. Following his surrender, Yadav was taken into judicial custody, where he remains as the High Court hears his bail application.

Case Title: Rajpal Naurang Yadav & Anr. v. M/S Murali Projects Pvt. Ltd & Anr.

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Hearing Date: September 8, 2026

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