New Delhi, 10 February 2026: Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Naurang Yadav has surrendered himself to the authorities at Tihar Jail in Delhi after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him any further relief in a long-running cheque bounce and loan default case. Facing massive legal and financial pressure, Yadav made a deeply emotional statement moments before entering custody, capturing headlines and public sympathy alike.
Who is Rajpal Yadav in 2026?
Rajpal Yadav is a well‑known Bollywood comic actor with a career of nearly three decades.
He shot to fame in the late‑1990s and 2000s with films like:
- Hungama
- Malamaal Weekly
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa
- Golmaal (supporting cameos)
- Chup Chup Ke and others
Over the years he has appeared in more than 100+ films, mostly in comic roles, and has a loyal fan base across North India and Bollywood circles.
In 2025–2026, however, his career narrative shifted from “film reviews” and “new releases” to court‑room decisions, cheque‑bounce hearings, and surrender dates.
What actually happened on 10 February 2026?
As of 10 February 2026, Rajpal Yadav is still in Tihar Jail under a six‑month sentence awarded by a Delhi sessions court in May 2024, in a cheque‑bounce case linked with ₹2.5 crore of unpaid money.
Key day‑wise timeline up to 10 February 2026:
4–5 February 2026: Surrender at Tihar Jail
- Delhi High Court had ordered Yadav to surrender on 4 February 2026 in a cheque‑bounce ruling.
- On 5 February 2026, Thursday, around 4 pm, he walked into Tihar Jail and formally surrendered before the Jail Superintendent.
- Jail officers said standard procedures were followed, including health check‑up, registration, and cell‑allocation, typical for many Bollywood personalities who land in Tihar over the years.
9–10 February 2026: Emotional “What Should I Do Now” Clip Goes Viral
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Media reports and regional platforms highlighted an emotional statement given by Rajpal before surrender
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His tone, body language, and the phrase “What should I do now?” became the central quote in news debates across TV, social media, and YouTube clips.
What is this cheque‑bounce case all about?
A “cheque bounce case” in India means someone issues a cheque for a certain amount, but the bank can’t clear it due to lack of balance or wrongful formats, leading the receiver to file a legal complaint under Section 138/141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
In Rajpal Yadav’s situation:
- The complainant company is Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, linked to film‑finance or production‑related transaction.
- The total disputed amount is about ₹2.5 crore, promised in two instalments:
₹40 lakh by 16 December 2025
₹2.1 crore by 15 January 2026
-
Although deposits of around ₹60–75 lakh were attempted earlier (demand drafts), the Delhi High Court found them not fully valid or not paid as asked, hence the refusal to extend deadlines.scconline+2
In simple terms:
Rajpal told the court, “I will pay in two parts by these dates.”
He did not fully pay on those dates, and the court slowly lost trust.
How did the court’s decision evolve? (Timeline: 2024–Jan 2026)
To understand why he had to surrender on 5 February 2026 instead of being at home, it helps to look at the step‑by‑step legal journey.
May 2024: Conviction and six‑month sentence
- In May 2024, a Delhi sessions court convicted Rajpal Yadav in the cheque‑bounce case and gave him a six‑month jail sentence by default (as per Indian cheque‑bounce rulebook for non‑payment).
- At the same time, the sentence was suspended because his lawyers promised that he would pay the entire dues.
2025: Payment schemes and broken promises
- In October–December 2025, some demand drafts (around ₹75 lakh) were deposited with court officials, but the remaining ₹2–3 crore reportedly remained unpaid.
- Yadav’s legal‑team repeatedly told the High Court that funds were being arranged, once even saying ₹50 lakh was ready and more time was needed.
Early February 2026: Court loses patience
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On 2 February 2026, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court ordered Rajpal to surrender by 4 February 2026 in Tihar Jail because:
Earlier payment plans were not followed.
His repeated requests for extra time were seen as delaying tactics.
He had already been given multiple chances and admitted liability.
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The court said that “leniency can’t continue” and declared that the suspended sentence now must be served.
What exactly did Rajpal Yadav say before surrender?
The moment that caught everyone’s attention is not from inside the court, but from his interaction with reporters outside or near Tihar Jail premises shortly before surrender.
Rajpal Yadav! pic.twitter.com/O2bhaZK47H
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) February 9, 2026
What Happens Next After Surrender?
Court Compliance
Now that Yadav has surrendered, the jail superintendent is expected to report his compliance to the Delhi High Court, which may influence future considerations on restitution or further legal scheduling.
Possible Civil Actions
In parallel to the criminal case, civil procedures against assets or settlements may continue — depending on how Yadav’s financial arrangements unfold in coming months.
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