For almost three decades, Rajpal Yadav has been a very familiar face in Hindi cinema, making a name for himself with his comic performances in over 200 films. However, in February 2026, the actor was forced to surrender in a cheque-bounce case that had been pending for years due to missed deadlines, unpaid amounts, and court warnings.
The case that began in 2018
Rajpal's legal issues began in 2018, when he and his wife were targets of multiple check-bounce lawsuits. These cases come under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which pertains to the dishonour of cheques due to insufficiency of funds in the account or exceeding the account limit.
The couple was found guilty by a sessions court, and this decision was upheld by the Delhi High Court. The defendant in this case is M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, to whom the actor owes a considerable amount.
Also Read | Rajpal Yadav surrenders at Tihar Jail after Delhi HC denies further relief in cheque-bounce case
How much money is involved?
As per court records, the total liability in this case is Rs 11.9 crore. Of this, Rs 2.5 crore has already been paid. Two demand drafts totalling Rs 75 lakh were paid to the registrar general in October 2025, but Rs 9 crore remained unpaid.
The Delhi High Court has repeatedly extended orders for Yadav, all based on promises that payments are being or would be made. Repeatedly, the promises have been broken.
Reportedly, turning down his request for additional time, the court observed that there was no justification to grant him any further extension. the judge. The court stated, “He has done at least 15-20 times in the past. His conduct has been mentioned in the last order. He has not complied with any order, any undertaking… I don't think there is any ground for him for any leniency anymore."
Why did surrender become inevitable?
On February 5, the court granted Yadav a two-day window to turn himself in on February 5, admitting that the actor was in Mumbai. But Yadav, having done nothing about settling his dues or even announcing a proper plan, surrendered as ordered by the court, allegedly to Tihar jail.
The High Court also observed that there was little room to have any sympathy for the plaintiff because of his previous actions. It argued that ignorance of the law was no excuse.
