In a significant relief for veteran comedian Rajpal Yadav, the Delhi High Court has granted him interim bail until March 18 in a high-profile check bounce case that landed him behind bars in Tihar Jail. The court imposed a strict condition: Yadav must deposit a demand draft of 1.5 crore rupees by noon, failing which the bail stands canceled.
The hearing unfolded dramatically on Monday, with the court emphasizing immediate compliance. Yadav’s legal team promptly informed the bench that the demanded amount had been deposited, paving the way for his release. Additionally, the actor has been directed to surrender his passport to the court, with the next hearing scheduled for March 18.
The bail plea stemmed from Yadav’s earnest request to attend his niece’s wedding in Shahjahanpur. This personal milestone added an emotional layer to the proceedings, highlighting the human side of the legal battle.
Celebrity support poured in ahead of the verdict. Actor Sonu Sood, who spearheaded a social media campaign for Yadav’s release, offered prayers and later celebrated the outcome on X (formerly Twitter). ‘Prayers work wonders. Good news coming soon. Your unwavering support has brought the wait to an end. Get ready for that laughter you’ve missed on screen,’ Sood posted, hinting at Yadav’s cinematic comeback.
The campaign drew contributions from across industries. Bihar’s Janashakti Janata Dal national president Tej Pratap Yadav pledged 11 lakhs, music producer Indrajeet Singh contributed 1.11 crores, and ASP Anuj Chaudhary from Firozabad added 51,000 rupees. Stars and politicians rallied behind the beleaguered actor, turning his plight into a collective cause.
At the heart of the case is a staggering 9 crore rupee loan Yadav took to produce the film ‘Ata Pata Lapata,’ which unfortunately bombed at the box office. Partial repayments through film earnings have been made, but a substantial balance remains, leading to the check bounce charges.
Yadav’s release marks a turning point, offering hope amid financial ruin. As he steps out, fans eagerly await his return to the silver screen, where his comic genius has entertained generations. The court’s decision balances justice with compassion, underscoring the complexities of celebrity finances in Bollywood.