Goa: The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a Goa sessions court.
The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and directed him to surrender within two weeks, while allowing him time to approach the Supreme Court in appeal.
A detailed judgment is awaited.
According to the reports, Tejpal was convicted under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the IPC. The case relates to allegations by a former colleague, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a hotel elevator during Tehelka’s ThinkFest event in Goa in November 2013. Tejpal has consistently denied the allegations.
During sentencing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, sought the maximum punishment, arguing that Tejpal was in a position of trust and continued despite the complainant’s refusal.
The defence, led by senior advocate Aabad Ponda, sought the minimum sentence, citing Tejpal’s age, clean record, compliance with bail conditions and the absence of any other criminal cases.
Addressing the court, Tejpal described himself as a “political victim” and sought leniency, saying he would challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court.
Reports also noted that the High Court observed there had been no reported misconduct by Tejpal after the incident and that both parties had moved on with their lives, before pronouncing the sentence.
