Cinema VinesIn a recent decision, the Supreme Court granted Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav a final two‑week period to deposit at least ₹2 crore in a cheque‑bounce case that has plagued him for years. The court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, had previously expressed doubt over the actor’s reliability, remarking that his courtroom behaviour mirrored the drama he is famous for on screen. Despite the stern rebuke, the bench allowed the delay after Yadav’s lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay, assured that the amount would be paid and a surety would be posted for the balance.
Upadhyay told reporters outside the court that the two‑week window was a “great relief.” He explained that the original demand was ₹5 crore, but the court had reduced it to ₹2 crore. “We welcome this order… The Court has graciously given us time to deposit this amount,” he said, adding that the actor’s team would comply with all directions.
The dispute stems from a 2010 loan of roughly ₹5 crore that Yadav secured from Delhi‑based Murali Productions to finance his directorial debut, *Ata Pata Laapata*. The film failed at the box office, leaving the actor unable to repay the loan. Over time, interest and penalties pushed the debt close to ₹9 crore, ultimately leading to a cheque‑bounce case.
Earlier this year, Yadav was arrested, but industry colleagues rallied to help him pay a portion of the debt, resulting in his release. He remains under the court’s protection against arrest until the next hearing on October 5, though he has been ordered to surrender his passport.
Chief Justice Kant’s comments highlighted the court’s lack of confidence in Yadav’s past conduct, yet the bench’s decision to grant additional time reflects a balance between judicial scrutiny and procedural fairness. The actor’s lawyer’s assurance and the court’s willingness to allow a brief extension underscore the ongoing legal tug‑of‑war over the unpaid loan.
