Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered before the authorities at Tihar Jail, Delhi, on Thursday afternoon after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him any further relief in a long-running cheque-bounce case. According to jail sources, the actor surrendered at around 4 pm, following which standard operating procedures were initiated by the jail administration.
The surrender came a day after the High Court declined Yadav’s plea seeking an extension of time to comply with its earlier order. His legal team informed the court that the actor had managed to arrange ₹50 lakh and requested an additional week to complete the payment. However, the court stood firm and refused to extend the deadline, which required Yadav to surrender by 4 pm on Wednesday.
In a strongly worded observation, the court made it clear that professional stature or public recognition could not be grounds for preferential treatment. “This Court cannot be expected to show or create special circumstances for any person merely because such a person belongs to a particular background or industry. Leniency, though sometimes necessary, cannot be extended endlessly, especially when it is met with continued non-compliance,” the court stated.
The case dates back to a complaint filed by M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. against Rajpal Yadav and his wife, alleging multiple instances of cheque dishonour and failure to repay the outstanding amount. In 2018, a Delhi magisterial court convicted both Yadav and his wife, sentencing the actor to six months of imprisonment. This conviction was upheld by a sessions court in 2019.
The couple subsequently challenged the verdict in the Delhi High Court. In June 2024, the court temporarily suspended the sentence, urging the actor to take “sincere and genuine measures” to explore an amicable settlement with the complainant. However, the court later noted that Yadav had repeatedly breached undertakings given to repay the dues, leading to the suspension being lifted.
On February 2, the High Court directed Yadav to surrender, citing continued non-compliance despite multiple opportunities. With no further relief granted, the actor finally presented himself before jail authorities on Thursday.
The development marks a significant moment in a case that has stretched over several years, underscoring the judiciary’s firm stance on financial accountability and compliance with court orders, regardless of celebrity status.