Unpaid ₹9 Crore, Broken Undertakings: Delhi High Court on Rajpal Yadav Bail Plea

“You have gone to jail because you didn’t honour your own commitment,” Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma remarked while hearing Yadav’s bail application, which was moved on the ground of a wedding in his family.

The Court 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 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 told Yadav’s counsel, indicating the court’s displeasure at the shifting stands taken by the actor’s legal team.

Rajpal Yadav is currently lodged in judicial custody following his conviction in a cheque dishonour case under the Negotiable Instruments Act. 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.

The High Court also noted that Yadav had earlier challenged the orders passed against him before the Supreme Court, but failed to secure any relief. “When I was going through the file, there were so many things we didn’t even know. They have challenged the first order before the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court didn’t give them any relief,” Justice Sharma observed.

During today's hearing, Yadav’s counsel informed the court that he had been unable to contact the actor and had therefore filed a bail application. He sought time, suggesting that a response from the complainant be called for and the matter be adjourned.

“I tried contacting Rajpal Yadav but wasn’t able to. I have filed a bail application. Response from the other side may be sought. The case may be adjourned to Monday, February 16. I will come up with something by then,” the counsel submitted.

Taking note of the request, the High Court adjourned the matter to Monday and directed the complainant to file a reply to the bail application.

“The other side needs to file a reply. You (complainant) need to file a reply,” the Court ordered, making it clear that the bail plea would be considered only after hearing all parties.

The matter is now listed for further hearing on Monday, i.e. February 16, when the High Court will take up Yadav’s plea for interim relief and assess whether any fresh assurance or concrete payment proposal is forthcoming.