Journalism of Courage
‘Perfect in doing drama’: Supreme Court gives Rajpal Yadav ‘last opportunity’
The Supreme Court granted the actor a "last opportunity" to deposit Rs 2 crore toward clearing his dues and extended his interim protection until October 5.
The Delhi High Court had sentenced Rajpal Yadav to three months in jail (File photo)
The Supreme Court Tuesday allowed Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav’s request for a “last opportunity” to deposit Rs 2 crore with its registry as part payment toward clearing dues owed to a production house.
A three-judge bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, also extended Yadav’s interim protection from surrendering until October 5 in connection with cheque bounce cases in which the Delhi High Court sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment. The Supreme Court had previously granted Yadav exemption from surrendering on the condition that he deposit Rs 5 crore with its registry.
CJI Kant remarked that the actor’s past conduct in the matter failed to inspire confidence. “The thing is, he is an actor. He is perfect in doing drama and acting in Bollywood. We hope he is not acting here also.”
During the hearing, Senior Advocate P S Patwalia, appearing for Yadav alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, informed the bench that the actor had been unable to raise the requisite funds. He urged the court to grant two more weeks as a final chance.
The senior counsel stated that Yadav plans to dispose of some immovable properties belonging to his mother to raise the money. He promised the actor would deposit at least Rs 2 crore of the outstanding dues in court by then and present a concrete proposal to settle the remaining amount.
“Kindly grant him some breathing time,” Patwalia argued, pointing to earlier instalments Yadav had paid. He noted that the complainants ultimately want to see the “colour of money” and assured the bench that he would not defend the actor if he fails to honour his commitment within two weeks.
Yadav also appeared before the bench via video conferencing.
The bench allowed the request and fixed the matter for hearing next on October 5.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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