New Delhi, 05 October (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday directed actor Rajpal Yadav to pay the amount due to the complainant by October 6 in a cheque-bounce case. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed displeasure over Yadav’s conduct and observed that “this arrogance needs to be shown its proper place” and that “your place is in jail.”

The court made it clear that it could have dismissed Yadav’s petition, but was granting him one final opportunity so that the complainant could recover the money. The matter will be heard next on Wednesday.

The case dates back to 2010, when Rajpal Yadav borrowed approximately Rs 5 crore from a Delhi-based company, Murli Projects, to finance the production of his film Ata Pata Laapata. Seven cheques issued towards repayment were dishonoured. With interest, the total amount in dispute has now risen to approximately Rs 7.5 crore.

During Monday’s hearing, Rajpal Yadav’s counsel produced a demand draft of only Rs 50 lakh before the court. Taking a serious view of the matter, the court granted him time until Tuesday, October 6, to make the required payment and directed that the case be listed for hearing in the first session on Wednesday, October 7.

If Rajpal Yadav fails to comply with the payment conditions by Tuesday, he may have to surrender to undergo the three-month imprisonment sentence imposed by the Delhi High Court.

Earlier, on September 15, the Supreme Court had granted Rajpal Yadav an additional two weeks to deposit Rs 5 crore, setting October 5 as the final deadline. The court had made it clear that this would be his last opportunity to make the payment. It had directed Yadav to deposit at least Rs 2 crore and furnish security for the remaining amount. The court had also directed him to surrender his passport.

Earlier, on July 10, the Delhi High Court had sentenced Rajpal Yadav to three months’ imprisonment. Yadav had previously been convicted in the case by the Karkardooma Court. However, in June 2024, the High Court had suspended the sentence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar