Popular Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, known for his comic roles in films like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Chup Chup Ke, made headlines after surrendering at Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
His imprisonment is linked to a long-running cheque bounce and loan default case involving nearly Rs 9 crore. Here is a simple explanation of what happened and why the court took this step.
The Background of the Case
The legal trouble dates back to 2010, when Rajpal Yadav launched his production company, Ata Pata Laapata, to produce a film of the same name. For the project, he reportedly borrowed money from a lender based in Delhi.

However, the film failed at the box office, and Yadav allegedly struggled to repay the loan.
Over the years, the unpaid amount reportedly increased due to interest and penalties, eventually reaching close to Rs 9 crore.
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Several cheques issued by the actor to clear the dues were said to have bounced, leading to a cheque dishonour case under Indian law.
Court Proceedings and Repeated Violations
The case was heard by the Delhi High Court, which issued multiple directions to Rajpal to clear the outstanding amount or arrive at a settlement with the lender. The court reportedly showed leniency on several occasions, granting him time to repay the dues.
However, the court observed that Yadav repeatedly failed to comply with its orders. According to court records, he neither cleared the full payment nor followed the agreed timelines, which led the judges to take a stricter view of the matter.
Why Rajpal Yadav Was Sent to Tihar Jail
After years of delays and non-compliance, the Delhi High Court ordered Rajpal to serve a six-month sentence. On February 5, 2026, the actor surrendered at Tihar Jail after the court rejected his last-minute plea seeking more time to settle the dues.
The court noted that the punishment was necessary due to repeated violations of its directions and failure to honour financial commitments made during the legal proceedings.
What This Means for the Actor
Rajpal’s case highlights the serious consequences of cheque bounce cases and loan defaults, even for well-known public figures. Under Indian law, cheque dishonour is a criminal offence, and failure to follow court orders can result in imprisonment.
Despite the setback, legal experts say the actor may still explore options such as settlement or appeal, depending on future court decisions.
Final Word
Rajpal’s imprisonment in Tihar Jail stems from a Rs 9-crore cheque bounce case linked to his failed production venture. The case serves as a reminder that financial disputes, if left unresolved for years, can lead to severe legal consequences—regardless of fame or status.











