Rajpal Yadav Bail: Actor Released in ₹9 Crore Cheque Bounce Case

Actor Rajpal Yadav was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court on February 16, 2026, in a long-standing cheque bounce case involving ₹9 crore. The actor had been in Tihar Jail for 10 days following a surrender order issued on February 6. The court provided this relief after the actor complied with specific financial and administrative conditions. The bench noted that the bail is interim in nature, and the actor must adhere strictly to the judicial directions provided during the proceedings.

Bail Conditions and Financial Compliance

To secure his release, the Delhi High Court imposed two primary conditions on Rajpal Yadav. 5 crore into the complainant's bank account. This transaction was completed before the 3:00 PM deadline on the day of the hearing, and the proof of payment was submitted to the court. Also, the court directed the actor to surrender his passport to ensure he doesn't leave the country without prior judicial permission. Upon verification of these compliances, the court granted him interim bail until March 18.

Origins of the ₹9 Crore Legal Dispute

The legal conflict dates back to 2010 when Rajpal Yadav borrowed approximately ₹5 crore from a Delhi-based firm, Murli Projects Private Limited, for the production of 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. Over the years, with accumulated interest and legal penalties, the total liability rose to ₹9 crore. The complainant filed a case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act after seven cheques issued by the actor were dishonored by the bank.

Previous Convictions and Judicial History

Rajpal Yadav has faced multiple legal setbacks in this case over the last decade. In April 2018, a magistrate court convicted him and his wife, Radha Yadav, sentencing them to six months of simple imprisonment. Later in 2018, the actor served nearly three months in Tihar Jail for failing to comply with court undertakings and filing a false affidavit. In 2019, a sessions court upheld the conviction. Most recently, on February 6, 2026, the actor was ordered to surrender again, leading to his 10-day incarceration before the current interim bail was granted.

Future Proceedings and Personal Commitments

The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 18, 2026. The actor is required to be present either physically or through video conferencing during the next session, while the court emphasized that any violation of the bail terms could lead to the immediate revocation of the relief. Meanwhile, the actor's family is preparing for his niece's wedding in Shahjahanpur on February 19. The interim bail allows the actor to attend the family event while the legal process regarding the remaining debt continues in the high court.