In a significant development, the Bombay High Court on Thursday overturned the acquittal of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 Goa sexual assault case. Allowing the State of Goa's appeal, the Court held Tejpal guilty after setting aside the 2021 judgment of the Sessions Court that had acquitted him. The matter will now proceed to a separate hearing on the question of sentence.
Background of the Case
The case stems from allegations made by a junior colleague, who accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside an elevator at a hotel in Goa during an event in November 2013. Following media reports, the Goa Police registered an FIR and arrested Tejpal later that month. He was granted bail in July 2014, and the trial began in 2017.
In May 2021, the Sessions Court acquitted Tejpal, holding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt and observing that crucial evidence had not been adequately produced.
Court's Observations
A Division Bench of Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar allowed the State's appeal and reversed the acquittal.
Pronouncing the verdict, the Bench said,
"We have set aside the judgment and order and convicted Tejpal. We have convicted him under Sections 376(2)(f) and (k), 354A and 354B of the Indian Penal Code."
During the appeal, the State argued that the trial court had placed undue emphasis on the complainant's conduct after the alleged incident instead of evaluating the evidence against the accused. It also relied on material such as an apology email and other evidence to challenge the acquittal.
Tejpal, on the other hand, defended the Sessions Court's judgment, contending that it was based on electronic evidence, CCTV footage, text messages and witness testimony, and maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish the allegations.
Decision
The Bombay High Court set aside the acquittal passed by the Sessions Court and convicted Tarun Tejpal under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the Indian Penal Code.
The Court directed that the case be listed separately for hearing on the quantum of sentence.
Case Details
Case Title: State of Goa v. Tarunjit Tejpal & Another
Case Number: CRIA/16/2022
Judge: Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar
Decision Date: August 6, 2026
