REPORT BY SWATI
NEW DELHI, Aug. 7
In a significant judgment, the Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 Goa rape case and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, overturning his 2021 acquittal by the trial court.
The High Court held Tejpal guilty of sexually assaulting a junior colleague during the ThinkFest event held at a luxury resort in Goa in November 2013. The court also directed him to surrender before the Goa Police within four weeks.
According to the judgment, Tejpal has been convicted under provisions of the Indian Penal Code dealing with rape by a person in a position of authority, sexual harassment, and assault with intent to disrobe a woman. The court imposed a 10-year prison sentence and a fine, while a detailed copy of the judgment is awaited.
The verdict reverses the decision of a Goa trial court, which had acquitted Tejpal in May 2021, citing insufficient evidence and granting him the benefit of doubt. The Bombay High Court, however, found sufficient grounds to set aside that acquittal after hearing the state’s appeal.
Soon after the verdict, Tejpal approached the Supreme Court seeking interim relief. His counsel requested that the High Court suspend the conviction order for a limited period to allow him to challenge the judgment before the apex court.
Addressing the court before sentencing, Tejpal reportedly sought leniency, citing his age and personal circumstances. The High Court, however, proceeded with the sentence after considering the submissions of both sides.
The case has remained one of India’s most closely watched criminal trials involving a senior media personality. The complainant had accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside an elevator during the Tehelka ThinkFest event in Goa in 2013, allegations that he had consistently denied.
The latest judgment marks a major development in the long-running case, which has spanned nearly 13 years and is expected to see further legal proceedings before the Supreme Court.
