New Delhi Bollywood actor and filmmaker Rajpal Yadav is facing a stern observation from the Supreme Court in a cheque bounce case. During the hearing on October 5, the court expressed displeasure over the alleged non-compliance with directions issued at an earlier hearing. The court said it was inclined to dismiss Yadav’s plea but was holding back so that the complainant could receive the money. The actor has been given time only until the following day to make the payment. The next hearing is scheduled for October 7, when the matter will be listed at the top of the board.
During the hearing, a photocopy of a ₹50-lakh demand draft was presented before the court. The document drew strong objections from the bench. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned Yadav’s counsel about the documents and the status of the payment and expressed displeasure over the manner in which the earlier directions had been complied with.
On September 15, the Supreme Court had ordered Yadav’s release from custody subject to a condition that he deposit ₹5 crore. According to the court, the directions concerning payment had not been complied with. The issue therefore came up again during the October 5 hearing. The court indicated that if the payment-related directions were not followed, the plea could be dismissed.
During the proceedings, Justice Joymalya Bagchi also made a strong observation while addressing Yadav’s counsel. The judge said, “This arrogance has to be put in its place. You should know when to speak.” The court’s displeasure was primarily linked to the payment issue and compliance with its earlier directions.
The case involves an amount of around ₹7.5 crore. The complainant is seeking payment, while Yadav has approached the court seeking relief in connection with the proceedings. The Supreme Court has, for the time being, refrained from taking a final decision on the plea and instead granted limited time for the payment to be made, keeping in view the possibility of the complainant receiving the money.
What is the case about?
The dispute dates back to 2010, when Yadav took a loan of ₹5 crore from Murgali Projects Private Limited to produce ‘Ata Pata Laapata’, his debut film as a director. The money was taken for production of the film and was required to be repaid under the agreed terms.
The film failed to perform as expected at the box office. Yadav subsequently suffered financial losses and was unable to repay the entire loan amount. Cheques issued towards repayment of the loan allegedly bounced. The company then initiated legal proceedings against him in connection with the dishonoured cheques.
The matter subsequently progressed through the courts, and Yadav was also sent to custody in connection with the case. The Supreme Court later ordered his release on September 15, subject to the condition that he deposit ₹5 crore. During the October 5 hearing, the court questioned compliance with that direction and examined the documents submitted regarding the payment.
The Supreme Court has now given Yadav time until October 6 to make the payment. The matter will be heard again on October 7, when the court will consider the status of compliance with its payment directions and the steps taken towards making the amount available to the complainant.
