Rajpal Yadav deposits Rs 2 crores in cheque bounce case; Supreme Court refers dispute to mediation

The Supreme Court on Thursday referred Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav’s long-running cheque bounce dispute with Murli Projects Private Limited to mediation after he deposited Rs 2 crores with the Court as part payment of the outstanding dues.

The Bench asked both parties to explore an amicable settlement for the remaining amount.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that Yadav had earlier proposed selling his ancestral property to arrange the balance payment.

The Court, however, said the parties should attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before proceeding further with the matter.

The actor and the counsel representing Murli Projects agreed to the proposal.

The case has now been referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.

Supreme Court asks Rajpal Yadav and complainant to explore settlement During the hearing, the Bench observed that Yadav had reached a point where he was considering selling his ancestral property to settle the case.

The Court said it wanted both sides to explore an amicable resolution, while noting that it could still examine the matter on merits if required.

"What we are saying is that you have been brought to the verge of selling your ancestral property only to get rid of this case.

Of course, we will hear on merits also, if the occasion arises.

But at this stage, after losing before different courts, the scope of interference is known very well.

We want that you amicably settle," the Court remarked.

In its order, the Bench recorded that mediation could help resolve the dispute.

It stated, "Going by the issues briefly raised on behalf of the parties, it seems that the matter can be amicably resolved through mediation.