Beloved Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav appeared in person before the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to address a protracted legal battle involving a check bounce case with Murli Projects Private Limited. During the tense proceedings, the actor stood before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. Yadav, visibly distressed, explained that his financial woes began with his 2010 directorial venture, ‘Ata Pata Lapaata.’ He claimed that the project resulted in a staggering loss of 17 crore rupees, noting that the film failed to secure a theatrical release or generate any commercial revenue, contributing to a total loss of 22 crore rupees.
The legal dispute, which involves seven separate check bounce cases, stems from a loan originally taken for the film’s production. While the initial loan amount was 1.05 crore rupees, mounting interest has ballooned the total liability to approximately 9 crore rupees. In a moment of grim irony, Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that the actor’s money had indeed gone ‘Ata Pata Lapaata,’ a play on the film’s title. The court expressed stern disapproval of the actor’s conduct, warning that any further display of his current attitude could lead to an increased prison sentence.
To demonstrate his intent to settle, Yadav presented a demand draft for 1.15 crore rupees directly in court. The Supreme Court has granted him until October 13, 2026, to deposit the remaining 85 lakh rupees. Yadav informed the bench that a buyer for his property was present at the hearing and is expected to provide the necessary funds by the deadline. The court clarified that his petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s ruling, which upheld a three-month jail sentence in July 2026, will only be considered once the full payment is processed. Yadav previously served time in Tihar Jail in February 2026 before receiving interim relief. Beyond this current matter, the actor is also scheduled to appear before a court in Mhow, Indore, on October 13, 2026, regarding a separate check bounce case involving 25 lakh rupees.