CJI Tells Rajpal Yadav ‘Money Is Ata Pata Laapata’, Jokes About Lawyers Appearing In Films
CJI cautions Rajpal Yadav over courtroom conduct.
Actor Rajpal Yadav appeared in person before the Supreme Court on Wednesday in connection with a cheque-bounce case, after the court had earlier warned him over his failure to deposit the amount directed in the proceedings. During the hearing, Rajpal told the court that he would pay ₹2 crore and produced a demand draft of ₹1.15 crore. A buyer of one of his properties, who is expected to pay the remaining ₹85 lakh, was also present in court. The proceedings drew sharp observations from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who referred to Rajpal’s conduct and made a humorous reference to the actor’s 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata. Rajpal appeared before the court after being directed to comply with its earlier orders concerning payment in the cheque-bounce dispute.
The case relates to a financial transaction in which the actor was required to deposit money as part of the proceedings. During Wednesday’s hearing, Rajpal sought to explain the circumstances surrounding his financial position and told the bench about the losses associated with his film Ata Pata Laapata. He also referred to losses suffered by the producers of the movie. The court, however, remained focused on compliance with its directions in the case and the amount that was required to be deposited. According to the details emerging from the hearing, Rajpal told the Supreme Court that he was prepared to pay ₹2 crore. He produced a demand draft worth ₹1.15 crore before the bench, while a person who had purchased his property was present in court in connection with the remaining ₹85 lakh.
The proposed arrangement was discussed during the hearing as the court examined how the outstanding amount would be deposited. The presence of the property buyer was significant because the buyer was expected to provide the balance amount needed to reach the ₹2 crore figure cited by Rajpal. The proceedings therefore involved both the actor’s immediate payment and the proposed contribution from the property transaction. During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant made a pointed remark while responding to Rajpal’s explanation. Referring to the actor’s film Ata Pata Laapata, the Chief Justice said, “Like your movie, money is also Ata Pata Laapata.” The remark drew attention to the contrast between the title of the actor’s film and the financial dispute before the court.
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The Chief Justice also observed that even Rajpal’s advocates could potentially be cast in his films, in another light-hearted reference to the situation. While the remarks carried a humorous tone, the underlying proceedings concerned the actor’s compliance with a judicial direction to deposit the amount due. Rajpal’s reference to Ata Pata Laapata came while he was discussing the financial difficulties connected with the movie. The film, released in 2012, was directed by Rajpal and featured him in a prominent role. During the hearing, he told the court about losses suffered by the production and said the producers had also faced financial setbacks.
His comments appeared to be part of an explanation of his financial circumstances as the court considered the payment issue. The bench’s response indicated that the financial difficulties surrounding the film could not by themselves resolve the actor’s obligations in the separate cheque-bounce proceedings. Cheque-bounce cases generally arise when a cheque issued towards a legally enforceable payment is returned unpaid, leading to proceedings under the relevant provisions of law. In Rajpal’s case, the Supreme Court proceedings have focused on ensuring compliance with the payment obligations arising from the dispute. His appearance in person followed the court’s earlier stern warning over the failure to deposit the required amount.
The production of a ₹1.15 crore demand draft and the presence of the property buyer indicated an attempt to address the court’s concerns during Wednesday’s hearing. The proceedings now turn on the completion of the payment arrangement and the actor’s compliance with the court’s directions. Rajpal’s commitment to pay ₹2 crore, together with the ₹1.15 crore demand draft and the proposed ₹85 lakh payment from the property buyer, formed the central financial issue discussed before the bench. The Chief Justice’s remarks about Ata Pata Laapata added an unusual moment to an otherwise serious hearing. However, the underlying dispute remains a legal and financial matter, with the Supreme Court continuing to monitor compliance with its orders and the payment required in the cheque-bounce case.
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