New Delhi, 15 October (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Thursday referred the cheque-bounce case against Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav to mediation after he deposited Rs 2 crore with the court as part of his outstanding repayment.

During the hearing, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took note of the fact that Yadav had already agreed to sell his ancestral property to repay the remaining amount. Nevertheless, the court considered it appropriate to refer the dispute to mediation, allowing both parties to explore a mutually acceptable settlement regarding the outstanding dues.

The court observed that Yadav had been compelled to consider selling his ancestral property to resolve the dispute. It remarked that, if necessary, it would also examine the merits of the case. However, given that Yadav had already lost before several other courts, the scope for judicial intervention at this stage was limited.

The bench expressed its preference for an amicable resolution, urging the parties to settle the matter through mutual consent rather than prolonging the litigation.

Following the observations, Yadav’s counsel and the lawyer representing the respondent, Murli Projects Private Limited, agreed to pursue mediation.

The court subsequently directed that, in view of the issues raised by both sides, the dispute appeared suitable for resolution through mediation and mutual agreement. Accordingly, both parties consented to mediation before the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.

The bench urged both sides to participate in the mediation process with an open mind and explore the possibility of reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.

Court Permits Actor to Seek Passport for Professional Travel

The Supreme Court also permitted Yadav to seek the return of his passport for a professional trip abroad, subject to his compliance with the conditions imposed by the trial court.

Earlier, the court had accepted Yadav’s proposal to sell his ancestral property to meet his outstanding financial obligations arising from the cheque-bounce dispute.

### Dispute Dates Back to 2010

The legal dispute dates back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed Rs 5 crore from Murli Projects Private Limited to finance his directorial venture, *Ata Pata Laapata*, which was released in 2012.

The cheques subsequently issued towards repayment of the loan were dishonoured, leading to the filing of seven separate cases against the actor.

The Delhi High Court had previously upheld Yadav’s conviction and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment. He challenged the ruling before the Supreme Court.

The matter is now set to proceed through mediation, with both parties being given an opportunity to explore a settlement over the outstanding amount.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar