New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal to surrender in the rape case within two weeks. On August 6, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court had convicted Tejpal in the 2013 case and sentenced him to 10 years. The High Court had earlier in 2021 overturned the decision of the Goa trial court acquitting him. 63-year-old Tarun Tejpal appealed to the Supreme Court has challenged. He says that he is a victim in this case. At the same time, the Goa government has also approached the Supreme Court and demanded increase in Tejpal’s sentence.
Tejpal reached Supreme Court against High Court’s decision
Tejpal has raised questions on his sentence by challenging the decision of the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court. During the hearing of the case in the Supreme Court, the court has directed him to surrender within two weeks. An appeal has also been filed by the Goa government in the case. The government has demanded to increase the punishment given to Tejpal.
Female journalist had made allegations in 2013
This matter is of November 2013. A female journalist had alleged that Tarun Tejpal had sexually assaulted her in a hotel lift on 7 and 8 November during a government event in Panaji. Following the allegations, the police arrested Tejpal on 30 November 2013. Charges were later framed against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, sexual assault and wrongful confinement.
The lower court acquitted him in 2021
Tejpal had declared himself innocent in the case. In May 2021, the Sessions Court of Goa acquitted him of all charges. The lower court had said that the prosecution had not succeeded in proving the charges beyond reasonable doubt. After this, the Goa government challenged the decision of the Sessions Court in the Bombay High Court. The Goa Bench of the High Court, after re-hearing the case, overturned the lower court’s decision and on August 6 convicted Tejpal and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment.