10 Years in Jail: Bombay HC Convicts Ex-Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal
The Bombay High Court has sentenced former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2013 rape case involving a former junior colleague.
The Goa bench overturned a 2021 sessions court judgment that had acquitted Tejpal of all charges. The court also imposed fines totalling more than ₹10 lakh. All the prison sentences awarded under different provisions will run concurrently, meaning Tejpal will serve a total sentence of 10 years.
What Was the Case?
The case dates back to November 2013, when a junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside an elevator at a hotel in Goa during an event organised by Tehelka.
Goa Police registered a case against him, and he was arrested later that month. He was subsequently released on bail in July 2014, while the trial began in 2017.
Trial Court Acquitted Him in 2021
In May 2021, a sessions court in Mapusa acquitted Tejpal, citing shortcomings in the investigation and what it described as a lack of corroborating material.
The Goa government challenged that decision before the Bombay High Court in 2022.
High Court Overturns Acquittal
A division bench comprising Justices Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar set aside the acquittal and convicted Tejpal under Indian Penal Code provisions covering rape by a person in a position of trust, authority, control or dominance, along with sexual harassment, wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement.
During the appeal, the Goa government argued that the trial court had improperly focused on the complainant’s character and behaviour following the incident instead of evaluating the accused’s conduct and the evidence in the case.
Tejpal’s lawyers maintained that the earlier acquittal was supported by CCTV footage, messages and other evidence.
Sentence and Fine
The High Court awarded 10-year sentences under two rape provisions, along with shorter sentences for other offences. Since all sentences will run concurrently, the effective jail term is 10 years.
Tejpal was also fined more than ₹10 lakh and granted two weeks to surrender before the prison authorities.
Tejpal Plans to Appeal
During the sentencing hearing, Tejpal maintained that he was innocent and said he intended to appeal against the High Court’s decision. His legal team had requested additional time to approach the Supreme Court.
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