The Supreme Court on Thursday referred actor Rajpal Yadav’s cheque-dishonour dispute to mediation after he deposited Rs 2 crore. The court said, "It seems to us that the matter can be amicably resolved through mediation." Judges also allowed the actor to get his passport back for his professional work abroad.
The Supreme Court on Thursday referred actor Rajpal Yadav's cheque-dishonour dispute to mediation after he deposited Rs 2 crore with its registry. It also directed the trial court to release his passport to enable him to travel abroad for professional commitments, subject to conditions.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the dispute appeared capable of an amicable settlement.
"A sum of Rs 2 crore has been deposited by the petitioners (Yadav and his spouse) with the registry. Owing to the issues briefly raised, it seems to us that the matter can be amicably resolved through mediation," the court said.
The CJI said he would appoint a sole mediator.
"Parties to contact the mediator and fix the date for appearance. The mediator can ask the parties to appear in person or online. To enable petitioner No.1 (Yadav) to continue professional pursuit, the trial court shall release his passport subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the court. Petitioner (actor) to travel only in compliance with those conditions and on return shall inform the trial court," the court ordered.
Yadav's counsel Vikrant said the actor needed to visit Canada for a professional assignment and had sold his ancestral property to arrange the Rs 2 crore.
The counsel sought a hearing on the merits of Yadav's plea challenging his conviction and three-month sentence in seven cheque-dishonour cases.
"Why don't you now settle the dispute? If you are reasonable and fair... Rs 2 crore is lying with us. You should also be reasonable and try to settle (the matter)," the CJI told the respondent.
The dispute stems from Rs 5 crore advanced by Murli Projects Pvt Ltd in 2010 to finance Yadav's directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.
The complainant alleged that seven cheques of Rs 1.05 crore each, issued in 2013 towards repayment, were dishonoured. It claimed that a 2012 agreement required Yadav, his wife and their company to repay about Rs 11 crore, including interest.