Actor Rajpal Yadav has been given until October 13 to arrange a payment of Rs 2 crore in a long-running cheque-bounce dispute, with the Supreme Court making the deposit a condition for considering his challenge to a High Court order.
Yadav appeared before the bench on Wednesday carrying a demand draft worth Rs 1.15 crore. His lawyer told the court that the balance of Rs 85 lakh would be arranged through the proposed sale of one of the actor’s properties. The prospective purchaser was also present in court, according to the submissions made during the hearing.
The bench was not satisfied with the developments in the case and expressed concern over the repeated requests for additional time. The court indicated that the extensions were being granted with one objective — ensuring that the complainant ultimately received the money.
The judges also cautioned Yadav that his conduct could have a bearing on the sentence in the matter. The bench stressed that the legal process could not be used indefinitely to delay payment.
Actor explains financial troubles
During the hearing, the conversation briefly moved beyond the legal dispute when Yadav spoke about the financial setback associated with his film Ata Pata Laapata.
The actor said the movie had resulted in losses estimated at around Rs 200-250 crore and claimed that the producers had also faced significant financial difficulties.
The title of the film prompted a humorous observation from the Chief Justice of India, who drew a comparison between the movie's name and the money involved in the dispute. The exchange brought some levity to an otherwise stern hearing.
Yadav subsequently greeted the bench and continued explaining the losses he had suffered. The CJI advised him to concentrate on making films that entertain audiences, while also joking that some lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court could double up as actors in his productions.
Payment arrangement explained in court
Yadav's counsel said the actor had initially approached the Registry with the intention of making the payment, but an RTGS transaction could not be used for the purpose. The actor therefore brought a demand draft for Rs 1.15 crore.
The remaining amount, the lawyer explained, would come from a buyer involved in a property transaction with Yadav. Once the sale is completed, Rs 85 lakh would be paid towards the outstanding amount.
Yadav told the court that the underlying dispute involved an alleged Rs 5 crore liability connected with Ata Pata Laapata. He also pointed out that the film had caused losses far exceeding that figure.
Dispute dates back to 2010
The case stems from an alleged financial transaction involving Murli Projects Pvt Ltd, which reportedly provided Yadav a loan in 2010 in connection with the making of Ata Pata Laapata.
According to the case, seven cheques issued towards repayment were dishonoured. Each cheque was for Rs 1.05 crore.
With the Supreme Court now requiring the Rs 2 crore deposit, Yadav will have to meet the October 13 deadline before the court proceeds to examine his plea challenging the High Court's decision.
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