Tarun Tejpal Challenges Bombay HC Verdict in Rape Case, Goa Seeks Life Term

Tejpal has challenged both his conviction and the sentence imposed by the Bombay High Court.

Earlier this week, the Goa government also moved the Supreme Court seeking an enhanced sentence for Tejpal, contending that the case warrants imprisonment for life. The government said the Bombay High Court "imposed only the minimum sentence of 10 years' rigorous imprisonment for each of the two aggravated rape convictions, with the sentences directed to run concurrently".

"The high court, inter alia, relied upon the fact that 13 years had elapsed since the commission of the offences and that both the victim and the respondent had moved on with their lives, while imposing the minimum sentence and directing the sentences to run concurrently. Such reasoning is untenable," the Goa government said.

The petition further stated that the passage of time cannot operate to the benefit of the offender or become a premium for the delay in the administration of justice, particularly at the cost of the victim.

Tejpal is accused of assaulting a former junior colleague inside the elevator of a five-star hotel during an event in Goa on November 7 and November 8, 2013. He was arrested nearly 22 days later, following which he stepped down as the editor-in-chief of Tehelka in the wake of sexual assault allegations.

He faced trial under sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in a position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in a position of control) of the then Indian Penal Code.

In July 2014, Tejpal was granted bail.

In 2021, a trial court in Goa acquitted him of all charges levelled against him, including wrongful confinement, assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and rape against his female colleague. The Goa government subsequently challenged the acquittal.

The Bombay High Court, earlier this month, termed the trial court's 2021 verdict of acquittal as "perverse".

The legal battle has now reached the Supreme Court, with Tejpal challenging the Bombay High Court's order and sentence, while the Goa government has sought a life term, bringing both the conviction and punishment before the apex court.