07 October,2026 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajpal Yadav. Pic via X
Rajpal Yadav's legal battle over the alleged cheque-bounce case linked to his 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata took a fresh turn on October 7, with the Supreme Court accepting his plan to arrange the pending dues by selling his ancestral property. The actor has already brought Rs 1.15 crore to court and is expected to raise the remaining Rs 85 lakh through the property sale.
Yadav appeared before the Supreme Court with a demand draft of Rs 1.15 crore. His counsel explained that the actor had initially approached the Registry to make the payment through RTGS, but was told the mode was not permitted. He therefore brought the demand draft instead.
The remaining amount is expected to come from a buyer who is purchasing Yadav's property. The buyer was also present in court and, according to the actor's counsel, will pay Rs 85 lakh once the transaction is completed. The Supreme Court has made the total Rs 2 crore payment a condition for hearing Yadav's plea against the High Court order, with October 13 set as the deadline for arranging the balance.
The case stems from the financing of Ata Pata Laapata. According to the details placed before the court, Murli Projects Pvt Ltd allegedly gave Yadav a loan of Rs 5 crore in 2010 in connection with the film. Seven cheques issued towards repayment, each for Rs 1.05 crore, were later dishonoured.
The bench expressed displeasure over Yadav's conduct in the matter and warned that his sentence could potentially be enhanced. Yadav, however, has disputed the description of the money as a loan. Speaking to the media after the hearing, he said, "Loans aren't taken out for films. You take a loan to build a house or buy land, not to make movies. It's either a package deal or an investment."
The actor also spoke about the financial fallout from Ata Pata Laapata, claiming that the film caused losses of around Rs 200-250 crore and that its producers were also affected. During an informal exchange after the hearing, the Chief Justice of India referred to Yadav's film while commenting on the situation, saying, "Like your movie, your money is also Ata Pata Laapata, missing."
Yadav responded, "I offer my salutations," before explaining the financial difficulties he faced following the film. The CJI subsequently advised him to focus on making good films and entertaining audiences. Yadav had also previously slammed those targeting his reputation over the cheque bounce case.
Yadav maintained that he has faith in the judicial process, saying, "I have the utmost respect for my country, the Supreme Court, and the judiciary." For now, the actor is required to arrange the remaining Rs 85 lakh by October 13.
