Actor-comedian Rajpal Yadav sent to a 3-month jail term in cheque-bounce case as Delhi High Court upholds conviction

The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the conviction of actor Rajpal Yadav in multiple cheque dishonour cases and confirmed the punishment awarded by the trial court under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed the revision petitions filed by Yadav, thereby affirming the trial court's findings in seven separate cheque bounce cases.

The court ordered that Yadav serve a three-month jail term in each of the seven cases. However, all sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time. In its order, the High Court also directed that the Rs 2.25 crore already deposited before the court and released to the complainant be adjusted against the amount payable by the actor, according to news agency ANI.

During the course of the proceedings, the High Court had earlier granted Yadav interim suspension of his sentence, allowing him to remain out of custody while his petitions were being heard. That relief has remained in force throughout the pendency of the matter.


In February, the High Court directed Yadav to surrender before the concerned jail authorities after finding that he had repeatedly failed to adhere to commitments made before the court.

The court had observed that despite receiving multiple opportunities and considerable leniency, the actor had not complied with payment schedules and undertakings given during earlier hearings. Following subsequent deposits and partial compliance with settlement obligations, Yadav secured interim suspension of his sentence, enabling his release while the High Court continued examining the legal challenges arising from the trial court's orders.

The dispute relates to multiple cheque bounce complaints filed by M/s Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd., with the trial court ultimately holding Yadav guilty under provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act that deal with dishonour of cheques due to insufficient funds or related reasons.