The Supreme Court on Thursday referred Rajpal Yadav’s long-running cheque-dishonour dispute to mediation after noting that the actor has deposited Rs 2 crore with its registry.
The top court also directed the trial court to release Yadav’s passport to enable him to pursue professional commitments abroad, subject to the conditions imposed on him.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the matter appeared capable of an amicable settlement in view of the amount deposited and the issues raised by the parties.
“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 bench said.
The CJI said he would appoint a sole mediator to ensure an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“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 bench ordered. (PTI)