Supreme Court Orders Tarun Tejpal to Surrender
The Supreme Court has directed former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal to surrender within two weeks in the 2013 rape case before it hears his appeal against the Bombay High Court judgment that convicted him and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Supreme Court Orders Tarun Tejpal to Surrender
Justice Alok Aradhe directed Tejpal to surrender and file a surrender certificate with the Supreme Court.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tejpal, had sought exemption from surrender, arguing that the Bombay High Court had already granted him time to approach the Supreme Court. The Goa government opposed the request and maintained that Tejpal was required either to surrender or obtain a specific exemption.
The Supreme Court has listed his appeal for September 22, subject to the surrender certificate being filed.
Bombay High Court Convicted Tejpal in Rape Case
On August 6, the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court overturned Tejpal’s 2021 acquittal by a Sessions Court and convicted him in the 2013 case.
The High Court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Tejpal has challenged both the conviction and sentence before the Supreme Court.
The case relates to allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior colleague inside an elevator at a Goa hotel during an event in November 2013.
Goa Seeks Life Sentence for Tarun Tejpal
The Goa government has separately approached the Supreme Court seeking enhancement of Tejpal’s punishment from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The state has not challenged the High Court’s finding of guilt but argues that the sentence imposed should be increased.
The Supreme Court will consider Tejpal’s challenge on merits after he complies with the surrender direction.
