Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, to serve a six-month sentence in a cheque bounce case stemming from a 2010 loan default. This development follows the Delhi High Court’s rejection of his final plea for extension, emphasizing accountability across all professions.
Case Background
Rajpal borrowed around Rs 5 crore for his production Ata Pata Laapata, which flopped commercially, leading to unpaid dues that ballooned to nearly Rs 9 crore with interest. Multiple cheques issued for repayment were dishonoured, triggering seven cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Despite partial payments like Rs 75 lakh demand drafts in 2025 and repeated settlement assurances, courts noted consistent non-compliance. A magistrate convicted him in 2018, with the High Court suspending the sentence in June 2024 conditional on genuine repayment efforts that never materialized.
Court Proceedings and Surrender
On February 2, the High Court ordered surrender by February 4, citing “repeated breaches of undertakings.” A last-minute offer of Rs 25 lakh plus a new schedule was declined, as Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stressed judicial discipline. Yadav complied that day, with deposited funds released to complainant Matrix Media.
Industry peers including Suniel Shetty and Sonu Sood voiced support, highlighting camaraderie amid his ongoing projects like Bhoot Bangla. This resolution upholds legal processes while sparking discussions on celebrity financial responsibility.
