Tarun Tejpal Gets 10 Years in Rape Case
Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Bombay High Court on Thursday after being convicted in the 2013 sexual assault case involving a former junior colleague. The Goa Bench overturned a trial court judgment that had acquitted him in May 2021.
Bombay High Court Overturns Tejpal Acquittal
A division bench allowed the Goa government’s appeal against Tejpal’s acquittal and found him guilty under provisions covering rape by a person holding a position of trust or authority, sexual harassment and assault with intent to disrobe a woman.
The court sentenced Tejpal to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and granted him two weeks to surrender. The judgment marks a significant reversal in a case that has remained under judicial consideration for nearly 13 years.
Tarun Tejpal Case Dates Back to 2013
The case arose from allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted the woman inside a lift at a luxury hotel in Goa during an event organised by Tehelka in November 2013. The complainant was working as a journalist with the publication at the time.
Goa Police registered a case and arrested Tejpal later that month. He denied the allegations and faced trial before a sessions court in Mapusa.
Goa Government Challenged 2021 Acquittal
In May 2021, the sessions court acquitted Tejpal of all charges. The Goa government subsequently challenged the verdict before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the trial court had incorrectly assessed the evidence and the complainant’s testimony.
After hearing the appeal, the High Court set aside the acquittal, recorded a conviction and imposed the prison sentence. Tejpal may pursue further legal remedies against the ruling.
