Actor Rajpal Yadav has been released from Tihar Jail on interim bail until March 18 in connection with a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case. In his first public statement after his release, the veteran actor thanked people across the country and the film industry for their support and made an unusual suggestion to prison authorities—introducing designated smoking rooms inside jails.
Speaking from his ancestral village in Shahjahanpur district, Rajpal said prisons should have designated smoking areas, similar to facilities available at airports and railway stations. He also described jails as reform centres, stressing that inmates should be given structured opportunities to change, while acknowledging that the law must prevail for those unwilling to reform.
“It is often difficult to judge from the outside who is a hardened criminal and who made a one-time mistake. My advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay will officially respond to all legal questions,” he said. Rajpal also stated that he would avoid speaking to the media for the next two days due to a family wedding and would address questions later through a press conference.
Details of the Legal Case
The actor said the case dates back to 2012 and added that he has complied with all High Court orders whenever summoned. “The way the entire country, the world, and Bollywood have loved me, if I face any allegations, I’m available to answer. Thank you, High Court, for giving me the opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The Delhi High Court granted interim bail to Rajpal Yadav till March 18. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma approved bail after the actor deposited ₹1.5 crore against the bounced cheque amount, along with a bail bond of ₹1 lakh and one surety. The complainant, M/S Murli Project, confirmed receipt of the payment in their bank account.
Rajpal is expected to repay the remaining dues before the next hearing to avoid further legal consequences. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Sonu Sood and Mika Singh, had publicly expressed support for the actor during his legal troubles.