Why Rajpal Yadav Is in Tihar Jail: Rs 9 Crore Cheque Bounce Case Explained

Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, after the Delhi High Court rejected his request for more time in a cheque bounce and loan default case linked to unpaid dues of nearly Rs 9 crore.

The High Court ordered Rajpal Yadav to serve a six-month sentence, citing repeated violations of court directions. The case dates back to 2010 and is related to loans taken for his production venture Ata Pata Laapata, which failed at the box office.

According to PTI, the dispute began in 2010 when Rajpal Yadav borrowed around Rs 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut. Following financial losses, he was unable to repay the amount, which later increased due to interest and penalties.

To settle the dues, Rajpal Yadav issued multiple cheques to the lender. These cheques were dishonoured, leading to criminal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

In April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife in several cheque bounce cases and sentenced him to six months in prison. A sessions court upheld the conviction in 2019, after which the matter reached the Delhi High Court.

Over the years, Rajpal Yadav was granted several extensions to repay the amount in instalments. The High Court observed that despite partial payments and repeated assurances, he failed to comply with agreed timelines.

The court noted that Rajpal Yadav was required to pay Rs 1.35 crore in each of the seven cases filed against him. It also directed that the amount already deposited with the Registrar General be released to the complainant.

In October 2025, two demand drafts of Rs 75 lakh were deposited. However, the court recorded that nearly Rs 9 crore was still pending.

In June 2024, the High Court suspended his conviction temporarily, subject to him taking sincere steps towards an amicable settlement. The court later observed that these efforts did not lead to meaningful results.

On February 2, 2026, the Delhi High Court directed Rajpal Yadav to surrender before jail authorities by 4 pm on February 4. When he failed to do so on time, his counsel made a mercy plea, stating that he had reached Delhi at 5 pm while arranging funds.

The court rejected the plea and recorded its strong disapproval. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said, "This Court cannot be expected to show or create special circumstances for any person merely because such a person belongs to a particular background or industry.. Leniency, though sometimes necessary, cannot be extended endlessly, especially when it is met with continued non-compliance."

The court ruled that recalling the surrender order would send the wrong message and refused further relief.

On February 5, 2026, Rajpal Yadav appeared before the court. His counsel informed the judge that he was ready to submit a demand draft of Rs 25 lakh and follow a fresh payment plan. The court declined the request and reiterated that compassion must be balanced with discipline.

Later the same day, Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail and began serving his sentence. Jail authorities said standard procedures were followed.

Earlier, Rajpal Yadav told Bollywood Hungama, "What to do? I don't have the money to pay back. can't see another way out." He also said, "Everyone is on their own" in the industry.

Following his surrender, several film personalities expressed support. Actor Sonu Sood wrote on X, "Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us... Producers, directors, colleagues to stand together."

He added, "A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it's dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase... This is how we show we are more than just an industry."

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee told NDTV, "I've known Rajpal Yadav for the past 20-25 years... He never had any intention of wronging anyone... Very few people in the film industry are fully proficient in paperwork... He is still working and earning gradually, but paying such a large amount at once is not easy for him."

He further said, "We are all one industry, one family. We should help him according to our capacity and try to get him out of this difficult situation."

Actor Gurmeet Choudhary wrote on X, "It breaks my heart to see a senior, immensely talented artist like Rajpal Yadav ji going through such a painful phase... Today, he needs us." He added, "Our industry is a family. And family does not abandon its own."

On the work front, Rajpal Yadav was last seen in Baby John and Interrogation. He is scheduled to appear next in Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla, slated for release on April 10.