Key Highlights
- Court Order: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma suspended the six,month jail sentence until the next hearing on March 18.
- Release Condition: The bail was granted after Yadav deposited ₹1.5 crore via demand draft to the complainant, M/S Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.
- Humanitarian Grounds: The actor sought relief to attend his niece’s wedding scheduled for February 19 in Shahjahanpur.
- Industry Support: Sonu Sood has publicly backed Yadav, offering him a role in an upcoming film and providing a “signing amount” as a gesture of dignity.
- Legal History: The case stems from a 2010 loan of ₹5 crore taken for the film Ata Pata Laapata, which eventually ballooned to ₹9 crore with interest.
The Delhi High Court, on February 16, 2026, provided significant interim relief to veteran comedian Rajpal Yadav, who had been serving a six-month sentence in Tihar Jail since February 5. The court agreed to suspend his sentence temporarily, citing his compliance with the latest repayment directive. To secure this release, Yadav’s legal team successfully deposited ₹1.5 crore into the bank account of the complainant, Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, just before a court, imposed 3:00 PM deadline.
The hearing was marked by stern observations from the bench. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had previously criticised the actor’s conduct, noting that he had breached nearly 20 different undertakings to repay his debts over the years. However, the current suspension of the sentence was granted to allow Yadav to participate in a family wedding on February 19. As part of his bail conditions, the actor has surrendered his passport and is prohibited from leaving the country without judicial permission.
Sonu Sood and the “Dignity over Charity” Initiative
As Rajpal Yadav prepares to walk out of Tihar Jail, he does so with the vocal support of the film fraternity, led by actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood. Sood took to social media to celebrate the bail news, stating that the “wait is now over” and the laughter Yadav brings to audiences would soon return.
Sood’s support went beyond words; he has officially signed Yadav for his next film project and provided a signing amount to assist the actor through his financial crisis. Sood emphasised that this payment is not “charity” but “dignity,” urging other producers and directors to step forward and support the gifted actor by offering work rather than handouts. Other figures, including boxer Vijender Singh and music producer Rao Inderjeet Singh, have also expressed solidarity, with the latter offering a substantial ₹1.11 crore in assistance.
Background: The 16, Year Financial Struggle
The legal quagmire began in 2010 when Rajpal Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film’s failure at the box office in 2012 triggered a repayment crisis that led to a conviction in 2018 under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Over the decade, the debt nearly doubled due to legal penalties and interest.
Despite numerous attempts at mediation, the Delhi High Court noted in early February 2026 that over ₹9 crore remained unpaid, leading to the order for his surrender. While the current interim bail offers a reprieve, the legal battle is far from over. Yadav is required to appear before the court again on March 18, 2026, where the status of the remaining debt will be reviewed.
