The Delhi High Court on Thursday adjourned the bail hearing of Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav to Monday, February 16, 2026. The actor, currently serving a six-month sentence in Tihar Jail for a decade-old cheque-bounce case, will remain in custody after the court expressed strong disapproval over his repeated failure to honor financial commitments.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma pulled up the actor, noting that he had promised to settle the nearly ₹9 crore debt on over two dozen occasions but failed to follow through. “You have gone to jail because you didn’t honor your own commitment,” the court remarked.
The Case: From ₹5 Crore to ₹9 Crore
The legal battle traces back to 2010 when Yadav borrowed funds for his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.
- Original Loan: ₹5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.
- The Fallout: The film failed at the box office, leading to seven separate cheque-bounce cases.
- Escalating Debt: With interest and penalties over 16 years, the total liability swelled to approximately ₹9 crore.
- Current Status: Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, after the court rejected his final plea for an extension.
Bollywood Rallies: Solidarity and Financial Aid
While Rajpal Yadav initially stated he felt “alone” in his crisis, the film fraternity and public figures have since stepped up with significant financial support:
| Supporter | Contribution / Support Type |
| Sonu Sood | Signed him for an upcoming film with an immediate signing bonus. |
| Mika Singh | Pledged ₹11 lakh as a gesture of solidarity. |
| Tej Pratap Yadav | Offered ₹11 lakh via the Jan Shakti Janata Dal family. |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Reportedly extended private aid of ₹10 lakh. |
| Anup Jalota | Pledged ₹5 lakh to help clear the debt. |
| Salman Khan & Ajay Devgn | Reportedly in contact with his family to provide support. |
Court Proceedings: Key Takeaways (Feb 12, 2026)
- Family Grounds: Yadav’s counsel sought interim bail citing a marriage in the family (his elder brother’s daughter), but the court remained firm on following legal procedure.
- Repayment Plan: The defense stated that roughly ₹2 crore is left to be settled and offered to deposit funds directly into the court.
- Next Steps: The court has issued a notice to the complainant (Murali Projects) to file a reply to the bail plea before the next hearing on Monday.