Delhi High Court orders Rajpal Yadav to Surrender in Jail by 4 PM Today in Cheque Bounce Cases

The Delhi High Court has directed Bollywood comedian Rajpal Naurang Yadav to surrender before the concerned jail superintendent by 4:00 PM today, February 4, 2026, to serve his sentence in multiple cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, in a stern order passed on February 2-3, 2026, withdrew the earlier suspension of sentence granted in June 2024, citing the actor’s repeated breaches of court undertakings to settle dues with complainant company M/s Murli Projects Pvt Ltd.

The court deprecated Yadav’s conduct, noting that despite multiple opportunities, assurances of payment, and adjournments sought on grounds of settlement, he failed to comply, including issues with demand drafts and non-deposits of promised amounts (with Rs 9 crore reportedly still unpaid in related claims).

The High Court rejected further extensions or leniency, stating there was “no justification to continue the indulgence” given the admitted liability and pattern of defaults.

However, in the interest of justice and considering submissions that Yadav was engaged in professional work in Mumbai, a limited grace period until 4 PM today was allowed for surrender. Amounts already deposited with the Registrar General are to be released to the complainant.

The trial court had earlier convicted Yadav and sentenced him to six months’ simple imprisonment in the cases, linked to bounced cheques issued for film financing that reportedly led to losses after a project’s failure. The matter is now listed for February 5, 2026, for a compliance report from jail authorities on the surrender.