RajpalYadav – Delhi High Court Orders Actor to Surrender in Cheque Bounce Cases

RajpalYadav – The Delhi High Court has instructed Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav to surrender before the concerned jail authorities by 4 p.m. on February 4 in connection with multiple cheque bounce cases, taking a firm stance on what it described as repeated non-compliance with court directions.

The order was passed after the court examined a series of petitions filed by the actor and his wife, who had challenged their conviction and sentence under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The court concluded that further leniency was not justified in light of the conduct displayed over an extended period.

Court Expresses Disapproval Over Repeated Defaults

A single-judge bench led by Swarana Kanta Sharma expressed strong disapproval of the manner in which the commitments made to the court were handled. The judge noted that despite multiple assurances and opportunities to resolve the dispute, the settlement terms were not honoured.

In its observations, the court underlined that the actor had repeatedly sought indulgence while failing to comply with undertakings recorded during earlier hearings. This pattern, the bench said, left little scope for continued relief.

Background of the Legal Dispute

The proceedings stem from cheque dishonour complaints filed by a private company against Rajpal Yadav and his wife. A trial court had earlier convicted the couple under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act and imposed a sentence, which was later challenged before the High Court.

In June last year, the High Court suspended the sentence after the petitioners indicated their willingness to settle the matter amicably. The case was also referred to mediation in an effort to bring about a resolution without prolonged litigation.

Settlement Efforts Failed Despite Court Leniency

According to the order, the suspension of the sentence was granted on June 28, 2024, based on assurances that the settlement amount would be paid within timelines fixed by the court. However, the court recorded that no substantial payment was made for nearly a year, despite repeated directions and extensions.

The bench noted that the court had shown considerable patience and flexibility, hoping that the dispute would be resolved through compliance rather than enforcement. That expectation, the judge observed, was not met.

Direction to Surrender and Limited Relief Granted

Taking a stern view of the continued defaults, the High Court stated that there was no justification to extend earlier indulgence. The court ordered that the actor must surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent by 4 p.m. on February 4 to serve the sentence awarded by the trial court.

At the same time, the court allowed the release of the amount already deposited with the Registrar General to the complainant company. The bench also granted limited time for surrender after accepting submissions that the actor was currently engaged in professional work commitments in Mumbai.

Next Hearing to Ensure Compliance

The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 5, when the court will seek confirmation from the jail authorities regarding compliance with its surrender order. The High Court made it clear that the focus of the next listing would be procedural compliance rather than reconsideration of relief.

The order reinforces the judiciary’s position that undertakings given to a court carry binding force and that repeated breaches can lead to withdrawal of discretionary relief, regardless of professional status.