Delhi High Court grants interim bail to actor Rajpal Yadav till March 18 after ₹1.5 crore payment in cheque-bounce case; judge insists on strict compliance and next hearing date
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, February 17, 2026:
In a dramatic courtroom turn that kept legal circles on edge, the Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim bail to Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, who had been lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a cheque-bounce case, after he complied with a strict financial condition imposed by the court.
Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma ordered his release on bail until March 18 after confirming that the actor had deposited ₹1.5 crore in favour of the complainant company from which he had borrowed money. The court had earlier made it clear that the amount must be deposited by 3 p.m. the same day for relief to be considered. When proof of payment was produced within the stipulated time, the bench allowed his interim bail plea.
The court noted that a family function—his niece’s wedding scheduled for February 19—was one of the grounds cited for seeking temporary relief. Taking this into account, along with compliance with its financial directive, the bench permitted him to remain out of custody until the next hearing. However, it directed that he must appear either physically or through video conferencing on the next date and cautioned that there should be “no discrepancies” in compliance with court directions.
Court’s Strict Condition and Legal Exchange
During proceedings, the actor’s counsel informed the court that his client was ready to deposit ₹1.5 crore through a fixed deposit receipt without conditions. The bench, however, clarified that the payment must be made strictly through a demand draft. According to submissions recorded in court, a demand draft of ₹25 lakh had already been submitted earlier, and another draft of ₹75 lakh had also been deposited. The remaining amount was subsequently paid, fulfilling the court’s requirement.
Earlier in the day, the bench had issued a firm ultimatum: deposit the amount by 3 p.m. for release, failing which the matter would be heard the next morning. The actor’s prompt compliance ensured that the conditional relief was granted the same day, averting a prolonged stay in custody.
Relief With Conditions
Legal observers described the order as a temporary reprieve rather than a final relief, noting that the case itself remains pending and will be taken up again after March 18. Until then, the actor will remain out on bail, subject to adherence to court directions and continued participation in proceedings.
With the interim bail in place, the development allows Yadav to attend family functions and remain with his family during upcoming festivities, though his legal battle is far from over. The next hearing is expected to determine the future course of proceedings in the cheque-bounce dispute, which continues to be closely watched in legal and entertainment circles alike.
