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Rajpal Yadav has suffered a major setback after the Delhi High Court upheld his conviction in a cheque bounce case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma sentenced the Bollywood actor and comedian to three months’ simple imprisonment.
The court had reserved its verdict on April 2 after hearing detailed arguments from all parties. Murli Projects Private Limited had filed the case against the actor.
The court observed that Rajpal Yadav received several opportunities to honour his commitments but repeatedly failed to fulfil them. It sentenced him to three months’ simple imprisonment in each of the seven cases registered against him.
The court also directed him to pay a fine of Rs 1.05 crore in each case. All the sentences will run concurrently.
The High Court also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh in each case on Rajpal Yadav’s wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav. It clarified that the amount already deposited by the actor would be adjusted against the penalty.
The court directed both accused to deposit the remaining fine within two months. It also granted Rajpal Yadav two months to file an appeal before the Supreme Court. Until then, he will not have to surrender.
The court noted that Rajpal Yadav has already paid Rs 4.25 crore to Murli Projects Private Limited.
Earlier, it had expressed satisfaction over this payment and refrained from sending him back to prison.
The court had also granted him interim bail until March 18 and ordered him to surrender his passport.
Earlier, the High Court had refused to grant him special relief because of his profession.
Following that order, Rajpal Yadav claimed financial hardship in an emotional statement.
Several people later extended financial assistance, including Bharat Express News CMD Upendrra Rai, who contributed Rs 25 lakh.
The court criticised the actor’s repeated non-compliance despite multiple assurances.
The dispute dates back to 2010, when Rajpal Yadav borrowed nearly Rs 5 crore from Murli Projects Private Limited for his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.
With interest, the outstanding amount has now risen to nearly Rs 9 crore.
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