Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has been given a final two-week opportunity by the Supreme Court to deposit at least ₹ 2 crore with the Supreme Court Registry in connection with his ongoing financial dispute with a private complainant.
Back in 2010, Rajpal Yadav had borrowed ₹ 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd for his directorial debut film, Ata Pata Laapata. Rajpal’s failure to clear the dues, coupled with the accumulating interest, increased the outstanding amount to nearly ₹ 9 crore. However, the film turned out to be a box office flop. This eventually led to a prolonged legal battle.
During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant questioned whether Yadav could be trusted to follow through on the commitment, referring to his past conduct in the matter. He’s perfect in doing drama and acting in Bollywood, he’s doing same thing in Court also. However, it has directed the actor to surrender his passport. In February, after failing to clear the dues, he surrendered and was sent to Tihar Jail. It cited his past conduct in the Delhi high court, which sentenced Yadav to three months’ imprisonment. “…we take a lenient view making it clear that as a last opportunity.
However, the court granted him two more weeks after his lawyer assured the bench that he would deposit at least ₹ 2 crore within the given time and provide a surety for the remaining amount. The court has also continued the protection granted to Yadav against arrest until the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 5. He was later granted interim bail on February 16 after depositing ₹ 1.5 crore, following confirmation from the complainant’s lawyer. The actor also requested a 30-day extension to arrange the loan amount, but the Delhi High Court rejected his request and reserved its verdict. SC raps Rajpal Yadav, extends time to pay ₹2 crore in cheque bounce cases The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended time for actor Rajpal Yadav to furnish ₹ 2 crore within two weeks in cheque bounce cases, even as it said it had no faith in him. Earlier reporting noted: The bench reminded Yadav of the opportunities the high court granted him to fulfil his commitment to repay the loan for production of a film in 2010. The high court on July 10 sentenced him and his wife to three months’ imprisonment. Two weeks are granted to the petitioner to honour our September 8 order.”
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said Yadav’s earlier conduct in the matter did not give the court much confidence. The Chief Justice said, “Looking at his past conduct.. how can anybody trust him? Earlier reporting noted: The bench told Patwalia that Yadav’s theatrical skills are well known in Bollywood. “Our only concern is that he does not perform such drama with the court, what he is known to do perfectly in Bollywood,” the bench said.
The relief was extended, with the Delhi High Court stating that he would not be taken back into custody even after the earlier interim order was set aside. Earlier reporting noted: ‘How can anyone trust him?
