The relief pertains to multiple cases filed under the Negotiable Instruments Act in Jamnagar, involving a total amount of ₹1.10 crore. The court has allowed Santoshi time until January 31, 2026, to deposit the remaining ₹35 lakh payable to the complainant, while making it clear that no further extensions will be granted.

The case dates back to transactions between 2014 and 2017, when Ashok Lal, represented by Praful Mehta, filed 11 separate cheque bounce complaints against Santoshi in the Jamnagar Magistrate Court. After trial, the magistrate court imposed a fine amounting to double the cheque value and sentenced the filmmaker to two years of imprisonment.

Santoshi challenged the order before the Jamnagar Sessions Court, which on October 15 rejected his appeal and directed him to deposit the amount within 30 days. The sessions court also ordered him to surrender by October 27, authorising issuance of an arrest warrant in case of non-compliance. Following this, Santoshi approached the Gujarat High Court seeking relief.

While hearing the matter in October, the High Court observed that offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act are compoundable and bailable. It granted interim protection to Santoshi, subject to strict compliance with a payment schedule. At that stage, he had already deposited ₹22 lakh. The court directed an immediate deposit of ₹5 lakh and an undertaking for the remaining amount, subsequently fixing phased deadlines for payment.

As per court records, Santoshi deposited ₹41.50 lakh by the end of November. Of the amount due by December 31, ₹35 lakh remained unpaid. Seeking modification of the earlier conditions, Santoshi requested additional time, citing substantial compliance. Taking note of the payments already made, the High Court granted him time until January 31, 2026, to clear the balance.

The court also considered Santoshi’s request to travel abroad from December 30 to January 4 for the international promotion of Lahore 1947. Accepting his submission, the High Court permitted foreign travel for five days, while reiterating that any breach of conditions would result in automatic cancellation of relief.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 5, 2026, with the court emphasising strict adherence to its directions.