NEW DELHI : In a significant legal turn, the Delhi High Court granted interim bail to veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav on Monday, February 16, 2026. The popular comedian had spent the last 11 days in Tihar Jail following his surrender on February 5. This reprieve comes in a long-standing ₹9-crore cheque bounce case that has trailed the actor for over a decade. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order after the actor’s legal team fulfilled a crucial financial condition.
Strict Conditions for Interim Release
The court’s decision was not without stringent prerequisites. During the morning session, the bench directed Yadav to deposit ₹1.5 crore by a 3 PM deadline. Once the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, confirmed the receipt of the funds via demand draft, the court approved the bail.
Additionally, the actor must comply with several other conditions to remain out of custody:
- Financial Bond: Submission of a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and one surety of the same amount.
- Travel Restrictions: Yadav must surrender his passport and cannot leave India without prior judicial permission.
- Future Hearings: He is required to be present, either physically or via video conference, for the next hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.
Family Wedding and Industry Solidarity
The primary ground for seeking interim relief was a family obligation. Yadav’s counsel highlighted that his niece is set to marry on February 19 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The court acknowledged this personal circumstance while balancing it against the need for legal restitution.
Furthermore, the film fraternity has rallied behind the Bhool Bhulaiyaa star. Notable figures like Sonu Sood and Salman Khan have reportedly stepped in to provide financial and emotional support. Sonu Sood recently took to social media to express his solidarity. He described Yadav as a “rare talent” and urged the industry to ensure he gets the relief he deserves. Yadav’s wife, Radha, also expressed gratitude to the industry for standing by their family during this financial crisis.
A Decade of Legal Turmoil: The Backstory
The legal battle stems from a 2010 business transaction. Rajpal Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore from Murali Projects to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office in 2012, leading to immense losses. Over the years, interest and penalties caused the debt to balloon to nearly ₹9 crore.
After multiple cheques bounced, a magisterial court convicted the actor and his wife in 2018. Although higher courts previously suspended his sentence on the condition of repayment, repeated breaches of these undertakings led to his recent incarceration. With this interim bail, Yadav now has until mid-March to demonstrate further “sincere measures” toward clearing the outstanding dues to avoid returning to prison.
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