State challenges 10-year prison term awarded to former Tehelka editor in 2013 sexual assault case
New Delhi : The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court seeking an increase in the 10-year prison sentence awarded to former Tehelka editor and founder Tarun Tejpal in connection with the 2013 sexual assault case.
Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench overturned the 2021 trial court verdict that had acquitted Tejpal and convicted him in the case.
Goa Seeks Maximum Possible Sentence
The Goa government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued before the High Court that a stronger sentence was necessary to send a clear message that “no means no.”
The High Court, however, imposed a 10-year jail sentence, taking into consideration factors including the passage of time since the incident and the fact that Tejpal had not committed another offence during the intervening period.
The court also imposed a ₹10.21 lakh fine, with the entire amount directed to be paid to the survivor.
High Court Overturned 2021 Acquittal
A bench comprising Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar set aside the trial court’s 2021 acquittal and found Tejpal guilty.
The High Court had initially directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks following its August 6 order. Following submissions from his lawyers, the surrender period was subsequently extended to four weeks.
While determining the sentence, the court noted the significant time that had passed since the incident and observed that both the survivor and the accused may have moved forward in their lives.
Tejpal Sought Leniency
During the sentencing proceedings, Tejpal sought leniency, describing himself as a “political victim” and pointing to his status as the father of two daughters.
He has also indicated that he would challenge the High Court’s conviction and sentence before the Supreme Court.
Charges Under the IPC
The High Court convicted Tejpal under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 376(2)(f) – rape by a person in a position of trust, authority or guardianship
- Section 354A – sexual harassment
- Section 354B – assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman
The Goa government’s latest move before the Supreme Court seeks a review of the quantum of punishment, with the state arguing that the sentence should be enhanced.
Key Points
- Case: 2013 sexual assault case
- Accused: Tarun Tejpal
- Earlier trial court verdict: Acquittal in 2021
- High Court verdict: Conviction
- Sentence: 10 years’ imprisonment
- Fine: ₹10.21 lakh
- Beneficiary of fine: Survivor
- Latest development: Goa government approaches Supreme Court seeking a harsher sentence
- Tejpal’s position: Plans to challenge the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court
