Rajpal Yadav thanks Supreme Court for hearing his side in ₹22 crore cheque bounce case

Actor Rajpal Yadav has thanked the Supreme Court for giving him an opportunity to present his side of the argument in a long-running cheque bounce case, saying he would comply with the court's directions and accept any outcome reached after both sides are heard.

Speaking to news agency ANI on Saturday, Yadav said he had finally been able to put forward his version of events after 14 years. He also said he would present his arguments during the ongoing mediation process.

"First of all, I want to thank the Supreme Court, because after 14 years, I finally got the opportunity to present my side of the story, and we will follow the Supreme Court's order at any cost. This lawsuit is the most interesting case in Indian history," the actor said.

Yadav argued that his position had not been adequately heard over the years and questioned the allegations of fraud against him. Referring to the amount involved, he said the dispute had grown from a loan of ₹5 crore to a liability of around ₹22 crore.

"You've seen one innings for 12 to 14 years, but until the other innings are properly heard, how can this be resolved? If it were a matter of ₹5 crore, it could have been settled. The issue is ₹22 crore, ₹5 crore killed ₹22 crore," he said.

The actor also disputed the allegations that he had cheated a businessman, arguing that the agreements and cheques involved in the transaction should be considered while examining the case.

He said allegations had been made that he committed fraud of ₹5 crore, took a loan and cheated a businessman. Questioning how fraud could be alleged when multiple agreements existed, Yadav said he believed the accusations were unfounded.

Actor says he will accept outcome of mediation

Yadav said he would present his arguments during mediation and accept whatever decision was reached after both sides had been heard.

"Right now, we have the good fortune of mediation (court hearing). I will put my case in mediation; I always want a decision in life, and everyone wants a decision. But whatever decision is made after hearing both sides, that was acceptable before, it is acceptable today, and it will be acceptable tomorrow," he said.

He also referred to the Supreme Court's observation that court proceedings should not turn into a drama. Yadav said he had been acting for 42 years and made a distinction between his professional work and his conduct in real life.

"It has happened, but if this is a drama, then either the Governor is creating drama or the opposing party is. The one creating drama needs to be exposed, because I act in reels and I live in reality. I never play around with reality, because I have had the privilege of doing so much in reels," he added.

Supreme Court had directed Yadav to deposit ₹2 crore

Earlier this month, Yadav appeared in person before the Supreme Court after the bench expressed concern over his failure to comply with an earlier direction to deposit ₹2 crore in the case.

During the hearing, he told the court that he would pay the amount and produced a demand draft for ₹1.15 crore. A buyer of his property, who was expected to pay the remaining ₹85 lakh, was also present in court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana directed the actor to deposit ₹2 crore towards the amount due to the complainant by October 13.

The court had criticised Yadav on October 5 for failing to comply with its earlier order. On September 15, it had granted him a final two-week opportunity to deposit the amount and submit a concrete repayment plan.

Case dates back to loan taken for Ata Pata Laapata

The case stems from a loan of around ₹5 crore that Yadav allegedly took from M/s Murli Projects Pvt Ltd in 2010 to finance his film Ata Pata Laapata.

Seven cheques issued towards repayment, each worth ₹1.05 crore, were subsequently dishonoured, leading to cheque bounce proceedings against the actor.

The outstanding liability increased over the years due to interest and other charges, with the amount in dispute now stated to be around ₹22 crore.

Yadav has maintained that he wants both sides to be heard and has said he will abide by the Supreme Court's directions as the dispute proceeds through mediation.