The Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench convicts former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case, reversing a 2021 trial court acquittal. Multiple reports say the High Court overturned the sessions court’s decision and finds Tejpal guilty of rape and also of “outraging modesty.” The case began with allegations made in November 2013 by a junior colleague, after which Tejpal was arrested on 30 November 2013. Sources also note the matter has gone through multiple hearings over more than 13 years, with Tejpal spending time in custody before receiving bail.
The High Court’s judgment comes after the trial court had cleared him in 2021, including by reasoning that the complainant’s subsequent conduct did not align with what it considered an expected response to sexual assault and by evaluating messages exchanged afterward. The Goa government had appealed, arguing the trial court’s approach was flawed. As part of the High Court proceedings, the state and Tejpal’s defence presented competing arguments, including issues around cross-examination topics and evidentiary value. Following conviction, Tejpal states he will challenge the ruling, including by seeking recourse before the Supreme Court.
