The Supreme Court heard actor Rajpal Yadav in person in his cheque bounce appeals, with the Chief Justice of India urging him to make a good film and rebuild his image while the Bench also cautioned him about the risk of a higher sentence.
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New Delhi: Actor Rajpal Yadav appeared personally before the Supreme Court during the hearing of his plea against his conviction and three-month sentence in seven cheque bounce cases, leading to an extended exchange with the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant [Rajpal Naurang Yadav v. M/s Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd.].
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, also on the Bench, warned that the sentence imposed on Yadav could be increased.
The hearing
Yadav told the Court that he suffered financial losses over his film Ata Pata Laapata, which he said failed to earn anything and did not secure even a single theatre release. On the dispute with the complainant, he said the total amount involved was Rs 22 crore, that Rs 5 crore had wiped out Rs 17 crore since 2013, and that a press conference was held against him. These are the actor’s own submissions before the Court.
What the Chief Justice said
Addressing the actor, the Chief Justice reportedly asked whether any new movie was coming and urged him to make a good film to entertain people again, adding that his image would be rebuilt, and remarked that some advocates are also good actors.
The earlier directions
At the previous hearing the Bench had taken a stern view of the delay in depositing the promised Rs 5 crore, produced a demand draft of Rs 50 lakh, and directed payment to be completed by October 6, with compliance to be reviewed as the first item on October 7.
Why the hearing matters
Cheque dishonour under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is about restoring the complainant’s money as much as punishing the drawer. The Court’s mix of firmness over the deposit and an appeal to the actor’s career shows how it is steering the matter toward compliance before deciding the appeals.
Case Title: Rajpal Naurang Yadav v. M/s Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd.
Bench: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Supreme Court of India
Date of Hearing: October 7, 2026