Delhi High Court Upholds Rajpal Yadav's Conviction In 7 Cheque Bounce Cases; Refuses Probation
The Delhi High Court upheld Rajpal Yadav's conviction in seven cheque bounce cases, observing that repeated breaches of court undertakings did not warrant probation
The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases, refusing to interfere with the findings of the trial court and declining his plea for probation. The Court observed that repeated breaches of undertakings and disregard for the judicial process disentitled him from seeking leniency.
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.
The 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.
Recognising that Yadav may seek further legal remedies, the High Court granted him two months' protection from the execution of the sentence to enable him to approach a higher court.
The Court 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
Previously, on March 18, the Court had extended the interim suspension of sentence granted to actor Rajpal Yadav in a cheque bounce case till the next date of hearing on April 1. The Court had made it clear that no adjournment would be granted on April 1 and laid down two options for the actor. It said that if Yadav's counsel chooses to argue the main petition, submissions must strictly adhere to the time limit and remain confined to points already raised in previous hearings. Alternatively, he may present a concrete proposal to settle the monetary dispute with the respondent.
Notably, on February 12, the high court had 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.
It had noted that on at least two dozen occasions, Yadav had made statements before the court assuring that he would clear the outstanding amount, but had failed to follow through each time. Justice Sharma had pointed out that both Yadav and his counsel had earlier assured the court that the payment would be made directly to the complainant, whereas the present stand was that the money would now be deposited before the court. “Make up your mind,” Justice Sharma had told Yadav’s counsel, indicating the court’s displeasure at the shifting stands taken by the actor’s legal team.
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: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
Judgment Date: July 10, 2026