SC rejects Tarun Tejpal’s plea, orders him to surrender in 2013 rape case
Apex court rejects journalist’s plea for exemption, directs him to surrender within two weeks to serve 10‑year sentence; appeal hearing set for September 22
The Supreme Court has rejected journalist Tarun Tejpal’s plea seeking exemption from surrendering in a 2013 rape case.
The apex court has directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks to serve a 10-year sentence in the case while listing his appeal against his conviction and sentence for hearing on September 22.
Tejpal was convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Bombay High Court. On August 20, he moved Supreme Court challenging the August 6 high court order against his conviction.
The 2013 case
Earlier, the Goa government moved the top court seeking an enhanced sentence for the former editor of Tehelka, contending that the case warranted imprisonment for life.
Tejpal was convicted of raping a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator in 2013 during an event organised by the magazine in Goa. Earlier, the 62-year-old journalist had claimed that he was a political victim.
Also read: Ex-Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal prays for leniency after conviction in 2013 rape case
In a petition filed in the apex court, the Goa government contended that the sentence imposed by the high court was grossly disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offences committed by Tejpal.
HC’s verdict
The high court convicted Tejpal of rape and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years, overturning his acquittal by the trial court five years ago.
In its verdict, the high court had termed the trial court’s 2021 order “perverse”, noting that it fell for the notion that a sexual assault complainant must be a “perfect victim” and should conduct herself in a certain way so as to appear credible.
The high court had asked Tejpal to surrender within two weeks but later extended the period to four weeks on a request from his lawyers.
What happened in trial court?
In its 81-page judgment, the high court had expressed strong disapproval of the way the defence put the victim in the dock and focused on her personal life, and said it found it surprising that the trial court “remained silent and allowed the defence to harass and humiliate her during the cross-examination”.
Tejpal was convicted under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376(2)(f) (rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority), 354(a) (sexual harassment) and 354(b) (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe). Under Section 376(2)(f), the maximum punishment is life imprisonment.