For the latest developments in this story, the Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.
In a case that sits at the crossroads of legal obligations and professional commitments, Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has once again moved the Delhi High Court, this time seeking permission to travel to Dubai as a guest of honour for a Diwali event. The request comes amid a pending cheque-bounce case dating back to 2018, reminding us of the complex legal threads often intertwined with the lives of public figures.
A Request for the Festivities
The application was presented before Justice Ravinder Dudeja on Friday. The actor’s counsel stated that Yadav has been invited by the organization Bihari Global Connect to attend a Diwali programme as a guest of honour in Dubai.
He sought the court’s permission to travel for a brief period, from October 17 to October 20, 2025. The event in question is the “Diwali Special – Bihari Global Meet 2025,” which is scheduled for the evening of October 18 at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai.
The court has issued notices to the Delhi Police and the complainant, Murli Projects Private Limited, seeking their responses. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 14, just days before the proposed travel.
The Weight of a Past Conviction
This is not the first time the actor has had to approach the judiciary for travel permissions. The current application is filed within a pending revision petition through which Yadav is challenging his conviction by a trial court in the cheque-bounce case.
- The 2018 Conviction: Delhi’s Karkardooma Court had sentenced Rajpal Yadav to six months in jail and imposed a fine of ₹1.6 crore for each of the seven cheque-bounce cases filed against him. The sentences were to run concurrently.
- The Root of the Dispute: The financial dispute originated from a ₹5 crore loan taken by Yadav in 2010 to fund his film production company, Atta Pata Lapta. The film’s failure at the box office led to an inability to repay the debt.
- Ongoing Mediation: The matter is presently under consideration at the Delhi High Court Mediation Centre, as the court has previously encouraged an amicable settlement between the parties.
A History of Conditional Permissions
The Delhi High Court has allowed the actor to travel abroad on several occasions in the past, each time with specific conditions. In June of last year, the court had temporarily suspended his conviction, contingent on him taking “sincere and genuine measures” to explore a settlement with the opposite party.
This precedent of conditional permissions highlights the court’s balanced approach. In a 2014 order, while allowing Yadav to travel to Dubai for a film shoot, the court explicitly stated that the permission was not a concession but a practical move, as the money earned could be used to repay his loans. The court has consistently viewed his professional work as a potential means to clear his dues.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the October 14 hearing, where the Delhi Police and Murli Projects Private Limited will present their replies to the court. The decision will hinge on the court’s assessment of whether this travel aligns with the ongoing legal process and the conditions of his earlier reprieves.
For now, Rajpal Yadav‘s plans to celebrate the festival of lights in Dubai hang in the balance, awaiting a nod from the Indian judiciary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Rajpal Yadav need court permission to travel abroad?
Rajpal Yadav was convicted in a cheque-bounce case in 2018. While his revision petition is pending in the Delhi High Court, he is required to seek permission from the court for international travel as a standard legal procedure to ensure he remains within the court’s jurisdiction.
What is the cheque-bounce case against Rajpal Yadav about?
The case stems from a loan of ₹5 crore that Yadav took in 2010 from Murli Projects Private Limited to finance his film, Atta Pata Lapta. The film failed commercially, leading to financial disputes and cheque-bounce cases. In 2018, he was sentenced to six months in jail and fined a total of over ₹11 crore for seven cases.
Has the Delhi High Court allowed him to travel abroad before?
Yes. The Delhi High Court has permitted Rajpal Yadav to travel internationally on multiple previous occasions, including for film shoots and promotions, often on the condition that the earnings could contribute to repaying his debts.
What is the current status of the legal case?
The conviction and sentence from the trial court are currently on hold. The matter is under the scrutiny of the Delhi High Court and is simultaneously undergoing a mediation process at the Delhi High Court Mediation Centre to explore an out-of-court settlement.
This is a developing story. The final decision on Rajpal Yadav’s travel request is expected from the Delhi High Court soon. For verified updates on this and similar news, follow reputable news outlets and official court announcements.
