Delhi High Court Upholds Rajpal Yadav’s Conviction In Cheque Bounce Cases, Imposes ₹1.05 Crore Fine In Each Case

Actor Rajpal Yadav has suffered a major legal setback after the Delhi High Court upheld his conviction in seven cheque bounce cases and directed him to pay a fine of ₹1.05 crore in each case. The court also upheld the sentence of three months’ simple imprisonment in each of the seven matters, with all the sentences set to run concurrently.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed the revision petitions filed by Rajpal Yadav and other accused challenging the trial court’s verdict. While affirming the conviction under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the High Court modified certain aspects of the sentence and imposed a compensation of ₹1.05 crore to the complainant in each of the seven cheque dishonour cases. The court also directed the actor to pay an additional ₹1.04 lakh and ₹75,000 to the complainant, besides ₹25,000 to the State.

The High Court further directed Rajpal Yadav’s wife, Radha Yadav, to pay ₹5,51,380 to the complainant in each of the seven cases. The court clarified that the ₹2.25 crore already deposited by the actor during the course of the proceedings would be adjusted against the final amount payable.

The cheque bounce cases stem from a financial dispute linked to a loan taken by Rajpal Yadav in 2010 for the production of his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. According to court records, the actor had borrowed money for the film but failed to honour repayment commitments. The cheques issued towards repayment were dishonoured due to insufficient funds, leading to multiple complaints under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Over the years, the outstanding liability reportedly increased significantly because of accumulated interest and penalties.

During the hearing, the High Court observed that Rajpal Yadav had repeatedly failed to honour the commitments he had made before the court regarding settlement of the dispute. The court noted that despite being granted several opportunities over the years to resolve the matter, the actor did not fulfil the agreed payment obligations. On that basis, it declined to interfere with the conviction recorded by the lower courts.

Earlier this year, Rajpal Yadav had surrendered before authorities after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking additional time to repay the dues. He was subsequently granted interim relief after depositing part of the amount directed by the court. During the proceedings, the actor had also informed the court that he had already made substantial payments towards the outstanding liability.

Before surrendering in February, Rajpal Yadav had spoken publicly about his financial difficulties, saying he did not have the money to clear the dues and had to deal with the crisis on his own. His remarks drew attention within the film industry, with actor Sonu Sood publicly extending professional support by offering him work.

Known for his performances in films such as Hungama, Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Partner, Rajpal Yadav remains one of Hindi cinema’s most recognised comic actors. However, the long-running cheque bounce litigation has continued alongside his acting career for more than a decade.

With the Delhi High Court now upholding his conviction, the legal proceedings have reached another significant stage. The actor is required to comply with the court’s directions regarding imprisonment and payment of compensation unless he secures further relief from a higher judicial forum.