The legal troubles for veteran Bollywood comedian Rajpal Yadav have intensified as the Delhi High Court took a stern stand against his repeated requests for more time to settle his financial dues.
On Thursday, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma unequivocally denied the actor a 30-day extension to pay ₹6 crore in a long-standing cheque bounce case, stating firmly, “No means no.”
The court expressed visible displeasure over what it termed an “inconsistent stance” by the actor and his legal team regarding his intent to pay.
Court Loses Patience Over Delays
During the proceedings, the bench questioned the credibility of Yadav’s assurances. While the actor claimed he was willing to settle the amount, his legal representatives reportedly argued that since Yadav had already served a prior jail term related to the dispute, the obligation to pay was up for debate.
Justice Sharma highlighted this contradiction, stating:
“You are saying you are willing to pay, but your lawyers are saying that since you have already gone to jail, you will not pay. If you are willing to pay, then why am I hearing the matter? Make the payment.”
Refusing to grant the requested month-long window to arrange the funds, the judge reserved the matter for judgment, signaling that the period for mere assurances has ended.
Background: A Two-Year Legal Battle
The case traces back to 2024, when a sessions court found Rajpal Yadav guilty in a cheque bounce matter and sentenced him to six months in prison.
- The Pause: The High Court had originally stayed the sentence after Yadav promised to resolve the dispute financially.
- Mediation Failure: The matter was referred to mediation for a potential settlement, but the court observed that multiple commitments made by the actor remained unfulfilled.
- Broken Promises: Despite several extensions, Yadav failed to deposit the key installments he had proposed, leading to the current peak in judicial frustration.
What’s Next for the Actor?
With the High Court reserving its judgment, Rajpal Yadav faces a critical crossroads. If the final verdict goes against him, the stay on his six-month prison sentence could be vacated, leading to immediate legal consequences.
The court’s message was clear: compliance is the only currency left in this negotiation. As the industry and fans watch closely, the actor must now decide whether to meet the ₹6 crore obligation or face the possibility of returning to custody.