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As a significant reprieve to one of the most senior Bollywood comedians, Rajpal Yadav, the Delhi High Court on February 17, 2026, gave him interim bail in the longstanding cheque bouncing case of about 9 -11 crore. By evening, the actor was released as a free man since he had surrendered and spent 12 days in Tihar Jail by depositing more money and providing personal bond.

The case is dated back to 2010 when Rajpal took a loan amounting to 5 crore in order to produce a film Ata Pata Laapata. When the film failed, cheques written to the lender M/s Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd. bounced and various complaints were filed against it under the negotiable instruments act, Section 138. The interest and penalties added up over the years and it ballooned. Rajpal had petitioned the courts several times to be lenient with him on ground of financial hardship but the courts had ruled in favour of the conviction and the 6 months sentence imposed.

In a more recent court appearance in front of Justice Amit Mahajan, the lawyer of Rajpal told the court that the actor had already paid 2.5 crore (the 1 crore he had deposited previously with the court and another 25 lakh cheque appearing in court). He claimed that Rajpal had a good intention to pay the dues and the further incarceration in a money-related matter was not proportional. The court saw the huge payment and the will of the actor to pay in more funds.

The High Court then delivered the verdict on interim bail until the next hearing date (March 18, 2026) after hearing both parties. Rajpal was ordered to provide a personal bond of 50,000 and provide his passport. The judge also required him to make an extra deposit of 1 crore in 4 weeks and pay on good faith.

Rajpal looked relieved and thanked his family, fans, and well-wishers, as he walked out of Tihar Jail. In a word or two, before leaving, he said, I am thankful to the court that they realized my position. I will fulfil every promise and pay back every rupee. This is a new beginning.” The decision was received and welcomed in the industry by friends and comedians such as Johnny Lever and Govinda who were delighted to see him back.

The decision has terminated the 12 day jail term of Rajpal and implies a complete resolution. The case will now be proceeded with the emphasis on repayment and not punishment. To those fans who have not been able to watch his classic comic timing on screen, such interim bail will see the favourite actor get back to work and life on bars in the nearest future.