Renowned Bollywood actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday after spending 12 nights in judicial custody. The release follows an interim bail order granted by the Delhi High Court on Monday in connection with a ₹9 crore loan default and cheque bounce case. Following the High Court's direction, the Karkardooma Court issued the release warrant, allowing the actor to return to his family. The relief comes at a crucial time for the actor, who sought bail to attend a family function.
Specific Conditions Set by the Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court, while granting interim relief, imposed several conditions on the actor. 50 crore into the complainant's account. The actor complied with this order, completing the transaction before 3 PM on Monday and informing the court accordingly. Plus, the court has mandated the surrender of his passport to prevent any unauthorized international travel. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for March 18, where the actor is required to appear either physically or via video conferencing.
Family Wedding and the Grounds for Interim Relief
The primary ground for seeking interim bail was the upcoming wedding of Rajpal Yadav's niece, scheduled for February 19 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His legal counsel argued that his presence was essential for the family ceremonies. Upon his release, his brother expressed gratitude, stating that the family had been under significant stress and that the actor's return would restore the festive atmosphere. Throughout the 12-day incarceration, his wife Radha Yadav and other family members remained actively involved in the legal proceedings to secure his release.
Origins of the Financial Dispute and Legal Battle
The roots of this protracted legal battle date back to 2010. Rajpal Yadav had borrowed approximately ₹5 crore from a Delhi-based firm, Murli Projects Private Limited, to fund his directorial debut film 'Ata Pata Laapata'. The film, released in 2012, failed to perform at the box office, leading to a financial crisis for the actor. Subsequently, seven cheques issued to the complainant were dishonored by the bank due to insufficient funds, while over the years, with accumulated interest, the total outstanding amount escalated to ₹9 crore, leading to multiple rounds of litigation.
Timeline of Conviction and Previous Jail Terms
In 2018, a magistrate court in Karkardooma convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife Radha Yadav under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The court had initially sentenced him to six months of imprisonment. Although the actor challenged the conviction in the Delhi High Court, he didn't receive permanent relief. Due to non-compliance with payment schedules and court orders, he had previously served time in Tihar Jail in 2018 as well. In the latest development, while he has been granted interim bail, the court has also noted a surrender date of February 6, 2026, for the completion of his sentence, pending further legal outcomes.