Supreme Court Directs Rajpal Yadav to Deposit Rs 2 Crore by October 13 in Cheque Bounce Case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed actor Rajpal Yadav to deposit Rs 2 crore by October 13 in connection with a Rs 9 crore cheque-bounce case linked to his 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata. The court made it clear that it would consider his plea challenging a High Court order only after the payment is made.

Yadav appeared before the bench with a demand draft of Rs 1.15 crore. His counsel informed the court that the remaining Rs 85 lakh is expected to come from a property buyer who was also present. The actor had attempted to make the payment through RTGS, but the Registry did not permit that mode, leading him to bring the demand draft instead.

The bench expressed displeasure over the actor’s conduct in the matter and warned that his sentence could potentially be enhanced if the conditions were not met.

The case originates from alleged financing of the film. According to details placed before the court, Murli Projects Pvt Ltd had provided funds in 2010. Seven cheques, each of Rs 1.05 crore, were later dishonoured. Yadav has maintained that the dispute concerns a liability of around Rs 5 crore related to the film.

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During an informal exchange after the order, the Chief Justice of India referred to the film’s title and remarked that, like the movie, the money too appeared to have gone “ata pata laapata.” Yadav responded respectfully and spoke about the financial losses he claimed the film had caused, estimating them at Rs 200-250 crore. The Chief Justice advised him to focus on making good films and entertaining audiences, adding a light-hearted comment about lawyers appearing before the court also being capable actors.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Yadav questioned the characterisation of the amount as a loan, stating that films typically involve package deals or investments rather than conventional loans. He expressed full respect for the judiciary and said any decision would be accepted.

For now, the hearing of Yadav’s plea remains conditional on the deposit of the full Rs 2 crore by the stipulated date.