In a significant legal development on February 16, 2026, the Delhi High Court granted interim bail to veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a long‑running cheque bounce case involving nearly ₹9 crore in dues. The court’s order suspends his sentence and allows him temporary relief while proceedings in the matter continue.

The decision follows a full‑day hearing in which Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma laid down specific conditions for Yadav’s release. Most importantly, the actor was required to deposit ₹1.5 crore with the complainant before being granted interim bail, a condition he fulfilled within the stipulated deadline.

Timeline of the Hearing

The bail hearing resumed on Monday afternoon after being adjourned from an earlier date. The High Court gave Yadav time until 3 PM to submit the demanded funds in the form of a demand draft, failing which the plea would be taken up again. The bench also stressed that the actor must be physically present in court or join via video conference to ensure there are no procedural discrepancies.

By the deadline, Yadav’s legal team confirmed the deposit of ₹1.5 crore into the respondent’s bank account, prompting the court to grant interim bail. Along with the deposit, the court required a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and one surety of the same amount as part of routine bail conditions.

Family and Personal Reasons Cited

A key factor cited during the hearing was Yadav’s request to attend his niece’s wedding, scheduled for February 19. The court acknowledged this personal circumstance while structuring the interim relief, and set the next hearing for March 18, until when his sentence will remain suspended.

Background of the Cheque Bounce Case

The legal trouble dates back over a decade, tied to bounced cheques issued after financing issues with one of Yadav’s films. According to court records, the outstanding liability stemming from the original ₹5 crore loan, interest, penalties, and related costs has escalated to around ₹9 crore over the years. After repeated breaches of earlier commitments to settle the dues, the actor surrendered at Tihar Jail earlier this month to begin serving a sentence imposed by a lower court.

Prior to Monday’s hearing, the High Court had reprimanded Yadav for not honoring his undertakings in earlier sittings, saying his imprisonment resulted from his failure to fulfill payment obligations. The court had deferred his bail plea previously after expressing displeasure at inconsistencies in assurances made on his behalf.

Industry Support and Public Reaction

During the proceedings, Yadav drew notable support from peers in the film industry. Among those publicly backing him were actors and personalities who took to social media to express solidarity and offer work opportunities, highlighting the respect he commands despite his legal and financial challenges.

What Happens Next?

With the interim bail granted, Yadav is now free to move outside jail custody until the court reconvenes the matter on March 18. The hearing will further address the substantive legal issues in the case, including the full settlement of all dues and the actor’s compliance with procedural requirements.

Overall, the High Court’s order reflects a conditional reprieve, recognising personal circumstances while underscoring the need for accountability in cheque bounce and financial liability matters under Indian law.

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