Delhi High Court Grants Extended Relief to Rajpal Yadav Amid Cheque Bounce Cases
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday prolonged the interim suspension of sentence issued to Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav regarding cheque bounce cases.
Noting that the actor has already made significant payments to the complainant firm, a single-judge Bench led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma expressed that it was not ready to incarcerate him at this point. “I am not sending him to jail. He has already made substantial payment. I will be hearing the main petition,” Justice Sharma stated.
Representing Rajpal Yadav, his attorney informed the Delhi High Court that approximately Rs 4.25 crore had been remitted to the complainant, M/s Murli Projects Pvt Ltd, including a demand draft of Rs 25 lakh presented that day.
Justice Sharma also dismissed a request from the complainant to revoke the previous interim order suspending Yadav’s sentence. “He is not running away. He is still here… If the money has to come to you, it will come,” the Delhi High Court commented, emphasizing its intention to resolve the case swiftly.
The court clarified that the actor must either comply with the settlement or contest based on the merits of the case. “If you want to settle, pay the amount and conclude the case. Otherwise, argue,” Justice Sharma remarked.
The Delhi High Court scheduled the next hearing for April 1, emphasizing that no delays would be permitted and that the matter would be addressed on the upcoming date.
Meanwhile, the interim suspension of the sentence remains in effect.
Previously, on February 16, the Delhi High Court had granted interim suspension of sentence to Yadav, facilitating his release from custody until March 18, after noting that Rs 1.5 crore had been deposited with the complainant.
This relief followed a stern warning from the Delhi High Court regarding his behavior and a directive for him to report to the relevant jail authorities, highlighting that despite being shown “considerable leniency,” he had not met his payment obligations over an extended period.
Yadav was found guilty and sentenced in 2024 for multiple cheque dishonour offenses under the Negotiable Instruments Act.