The Supreme Court of India has sharply reprimanded Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav for failing to deposit two crore rupees as promised in a long-standing check bounce case.

Expressing deep displeasure on Monday (October 5) over the actor's repeated failure to comply with court directives, the apex court remarked that this arrogance needs to be put in its proper place, implying that Yadav essentially belongs behind bars.

According to Indian media reports published on Tuesday (October 6), the case was heard on Monday before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana. Earlier, on September 15, the court had granted the actor a final opportunity.

The court's directive stipulated that out of a total outstanding amount of five crore rupees, at least two crore rupees had to be deposited with the court registry by a specified deadline.

On that condition, the Bollywood star's interim protection from surrender was extended until October 5. However, the court expressed anger when the money was not deposited within the stipulated time.

During the hearing, Justice Joymalya Bagchi made strong observations addressing Rajpal Yadav’s lawyer. When the defense counsel remarked about the complainants, "They are not poor," an infuriated judge retorted, "They might be richer than you, but they are poor by the amount you have misappropriated from them. This arrogance needs to be put in its proper place. You should know when to speak, and your place is in jail."

The court also considered dismissing the actor's petition outright. However, deciding against dismissal, the bench noted that doing so might further diminish the complainants' chances of recovering their dues.

During the proceedings, Yadav's lawyer submitted a copy of a demand draft for 50 lakh rupees, claiming it was being processed by the bank.

Meanwhile, counsel for the complainants launched a sharp attack on the actor, alleging that Rajpal Yadav is a film actor who is "acting even here" and has no respect for the dignity of the court.

Following the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the Bollywood star to deposit the remaining funds by Tuesday. The case has been listed for further hearing today, Wednesday (October 7), as the first item on the court's agenda.

The legal dispute stems from a complaint filed by Murali Projects Private Limited, which stated that it provided financial assistance of five crore rupees to Rajpal Yadav for a film project in 2010.

In 2013, the actor issued seven checks totaling one crore five lakh rupees to repay the amount, all of which bounced.

Under a 2012 agreement, Yadav, his wife, and their company were required to return approximately 11 crore rupees including interest, but they failed to do so.