Rajpal Yadav surrenders at Tihar jail after Delhi HC denies relief in cheque-bounce cases

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered to the authorities at Tihar Jail on Thursday evening after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him any extension in connection with his 2024 conviction in cheque-bounce cases.

According to reports, Yadav appeared before the Jail Superintendent around 4 pm on Thursday, complying with the court’s directive to surrender immediately. The high court, in its order, emphasised that it cannot create special exceptions for individuals based on their profession or social status.

The order was issued by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who sharply criticised the actor for failing to comply with an earlier instruction to surrender by February 4, following the court’s February 2 directive. Yadav’s lawyer had requested more time, explaining that the actor was trying to arrange funds to repay the complainant and was unable to reach Delhi by the specified deadline.

The high court rejected this plea, noting that Yadav had already been granted two extra days at his request and that the February 2 order had been made public the same evening, leaving no ambiguity about the surrender timeline. The court stressed that the law rewards compliance and cannot tolerate repeated non-adherence to its directions.

“This court cannot be expected to show or create special circumstances for any person merely because such a person belongs to a particular background or industry,” the bench stated. It also highlighted the need to balance compassion with discipline and to respect the rights of the complainant.

Consequently, the court directed that Yadav surrender to the Jail Superintendent, Tihar, without any further delay, bringing the matter to immediate closure.