Rajpal Yadav Jailed in Tihar Over ₹9 Crore Debt: Full Timeline

Rajpal Yadav Jailed in Tihar Over ₹9 Crore Debt: Full Timeline

Rajpal Yadav, the popular actor known for his comedic roles, is currently embroiled in legal troubles that have led to his incarceration. The legal issues stem from a financial dispute dating back to 2010, culminating in his recent surrender at Tihar Jail over a debt exceeding ₹9 crore.

Background of the Financial Dispute

The controversy began when Yadav obtained a ₹5 crore loan from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd in Delhi to support his directorial venture, “Ata Pata Laapata,” released in 2012. The film did not perform well at the box office, triggering a repayment crisis that escalated into a legal battle.

Legal Proceedings

  • 2018: A Magisterial Court convicted Yadav and his wife, Radha, under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act after seven cheques issued by Yadav bounced.
  • Sentencing: They received a six-month prison sentence, which was later confirmed by a Sessions Court in early 2019.

Continuing Legal Challenges

After the initial conviction, Yadav appealed to the Delhi High Court for a revision petition. He temporarily suspended the sentence in June 2024 but was also instructed to demonstrate earnest efforts to resolve the debt issue, which had ballooned to around ₹9 crore during that period.

Despite a few payments totaling ₹75 lakh, the court noted that significant amounts of the debt remained unpaid, leading to multiple missed deadlines and unmet promises.

Final Rulings and Surrender

The situation worsened by early February 2026. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ordered Yadav to surrender, emphasizing that leniency cannot be extended indefinitely to anyone, including celebrities.

  • February 4, 2026: A last-minute request for a one-week extension was declined, citing Yadav’s failure to meet nearly 20 previous commitments.
  • February 5, 2026: Yadav appeared in court again but was ordered to surrender immediately. He did so at 4 PM to the Tihar Jail authorities.

Implications for Rajpal Yadav

This unfortunate series of events has highlighted the importance of financial responsibility and the repercussions of failing to comply with legal obligations. The High Court has delivered the funds already deposited to the complainant company, marking another chapter in Yadav’s ongoing saga of debt and legal issues.