NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed actor Rajpal Yadav to deposit ₹1.15 crore immediately in connection with seven cheque bounce cases linked to Murli Projects Private Limited. The court has granted him time until October 13 to pay the remaining ₹85 lakh.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, is hearing Yadav’s plea challenging his conviction. The case relates to seven dishonoured cheques. The Delhi High Court had convicted Yadav and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment in each case.
SC Had Warned Yadav of ‘Last Opportunity’
The development comes after the Supreme Court made strong observations during the previous hearing. The bench had criticised Yadav for failing to comply with repeated directions to deposit money for the complainant. The court had made it clear that its leniency was aimed at ensuring that the complainant recovered the money. It had also indicated that Yadav’s challenge to the sentence could otherwise have been dismissed. The actor was subsequently given a final opportunity to arrange ₹2 crore.
Property Sale Cited as Source of Remaining ₹85 Lakh
During Wednesday’s hearing, Yadav’s lawyer told the court that ₹1.15 crore was ready to be deposited. Counsel also informed the bench that a prospective buyer of Yadav’s ancestral property was present and willing to provide ₹85 lakh as an advance. However, the registration of the property was being delayed because of Pitru Paksha.
Next Hearing in Two Weeks
The Supreme Court has directed Yadav to deposit ₹1.15 crore immediately and the remaining ₹85 lakh through RTGS by October 13. The matter will be heard again after two weeks, with the court expected to take stock of Yadav’s compliance with the payment directions.
