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Actor assures court of respect for decision (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: In the cheque-bounce case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed actor Rajpal Yadav to deposit Rs 2 crore to the complainant by October 13. The apex court said it would consider his plea challenging the High Court order only after the payment was made.
Yadav, who was present during the hearing, brought a demand draft of Rs 1.15 crore. His counsel said the remaining Rs 85 lakh would be paid by October 13 through a buyer of the actor's property, who was also present in court.
Irked with Yadav's conduct, the bench came down strongly on his conduct and warned that his sentence could be enhanced. It noted that repeated extensions had been granted primarily to ensure that the complainant received the money.
The court said the payment was being directed to secure the amount owed to the complainant and observed that Yadav's conduct had not satisfied it.
“Law should not be utilised like this”, the Court said.
After passing the order, the bench had an informal exchange with Yadav. Rajpal Yadav spoke about the financial difficulties arising from his film Ata Pata Laapata. The actor said the movie had resulted in losses of around Rs 200-250 crore and that its producers had also suffered losses.
The court also remarked, in jest, that the film's title appeared to be synonymous with Yadav's conduct.
“Like your movie, your money is also Ata Pata Laapata, gayab”, the CJI said.
Before the order was passed, Yadav addressed the media outside the courtroom and said, "The matter is before the honourable Supreme Court, and our legal team and lawyers will speak on the issue. I have the utmost respect for my country and for the Supreme Court. Whatever decision is taken by the court, wherever and whenever it is delivered, will be universally accepted."
Yadav later greeted the bench, saying, “Pranam karta hoon,” and again spoke about the Rs 200-250 crore losses he had incurred because of the film.
The Chief Justice of India advised him to make a good film and entertain audiences. The CJI also joked that advocates appearing before the Supreme Court were good actors themselves and could be cast in Yadav's films.
Yadav's counsel told the court that he had approached the Registry to make the payment, but RTGS was not permitted. The actor had therefore brought a demand draft for Rs 1.15 crore.
Regarding the remaining Rs 85 lakh, the counsel said a buyer of Yadav's property was present in court and the amount would be paid once the transaction was completed.
Yadav submitted that the dispute stemmed from a Rs 5 crore liability linked to Ata Pata Laapata, even though the film itself had resulted in substantially higher losses.
The case relates to an alleged loan extended to Yadav by Murli Projects Pvt Ltd in 2010 for the production of Ata Pata Laapata. Seven cheques issued towards repayment, each worth Rs 1.05 crore, were subsequently dishonoured.
