Rajpal Yadav Surrenders at Tihar Jail Following Delhi High Court Order

New Delhi | February 6, 2026 — Popular Bollywood comedian and actor Rajpal Yadav has surrendered to the authorities at Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court refused to grant any further extensions in a decade-long cheque bounce dispute. The actor, known for his iconic comic timing in films like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, presented himself at the jail premises on Thursday evening.

The Final Verdict

The surrender follows a stern ruling by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who made it clear that “the law is equal for all.” Despite a last-minute plea from Yadav’s legal team offering an immediate payment of ₹25 lakh and a new repayment schedule, the court stood firm.

The judge observed that the actor had repeatedly failed to honor past undertakings and that continuous leniency would send a wrong message to the public.

“Leniency, though sometimes necessary, cannot be extended endlessly, especially when it is met with continued non-compliance,” the court remarked.

Roots of the Legal Battle

The case dates back to 2010, when Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha, took a loan of approximately ₹5 crore from a Delhi-based company, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. The funds were intended to finance Yadav’s directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.

However, the film failed to perform at the box office, leading to a financial crisis for the actor. The dispute escalated when multiple cheques issued by Yadav were dishonored, leading to:

• 2018: A magisterial court convicted the actor and sentenced him to six months in prison.
• 2019: A sessions court upheld the conviction.
• 2024: The Delhi High Court temporarily suspended the sentence to allow Yadav a chance to settle the dues amicably.

Repeated Defaults Lead to Custody

The High Court’s patience reportedly ran out after Yadav failed to meet several payment deadlines set throughout 2025. Despite being granted a two-day extension earlier this week because he was in Mumbai for professional commitments, the court refused any more time on February 5.

Yadav’s counsel argued that the actor was making a “sincere effort” to arrange the funds, citing a sum of ₹50 lakh that had already been secured. However, the court noted that nearly ₹9 crore (including interest) remains outstanding.

What’s Next?

Rajpal Yadav will now serve the six-month sentence originally awarded by the trial court. However, the High Court clarified that once the actor is in custody, he remains “at liberty to move an appropriate application” to seek further relief or a stay on the conviction if a concrete settlement is finally reached with the complainant.

For now, one of Bollywood‘s most beloved comedians faces a real-life stint behind bars, serving as a high-profile reminder of the serious legal consequences of financial non-compliance.