New Delhi: The Bombay High Court has convicted Tarun Tejpal in a sexual assault case and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed fines totaling lakhs of rupees on Tejpal under various sections. The court had previously convicted him in 2021, overturning a lower court’s acquittal.
Punishment given under different sections
The court sentenced Tejpal to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹500,000 under Section 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code. He was also sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹500,000 under Section 376(2)(k).
Additionally, under Section 354, he was sentenced to one year’s rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000, while under Section 354A, he was also sentenced to one year’s imprisonment and a fine. Under Section 354B, the court ordered three years’ rigorous imprisonment.
The matter came to light in 2013
This case dates back to November 2013. At that time, a female employee accused Tarun Tejpal of sexual harassment and rape at a Goa resort. The incident reportedly occurred during Tehelka magazine’s annual “Thinkfest” event. The case garnered widespread attention nationwide. A police investigation and legal proceedings followed, and the case played out in court for a long time.
The High Court reversed the lower court’s decision
Tejpal was convicted by a two-member bench of the Bombay High Court’s Goa bench, comprising Justices Dr. Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar.
The court found Tejpal guilty of rape and sexual assault under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The High Court also set aside a 2021 trial court decision that had acquitted him of the charges.
Tarun Tejpal was present in the court
Tarun Tejpal was present in court during the verdict. During the hearing, he appealed for leniency, citing his age. He explained that he is now 62 years old. However, the court has now conducted the final hearing.