The Bombay High Court on Thursday (6 August) sentenced former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment in the 2013 sexual assault case after previously overturning his acquittal. The Court also imposed a fine exceeding ₹10 lakh and granted him two weeks to surrender before the jail authorities.
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 in 2013. Following an FIR registered by the Goa Police, he was arrested in November 2013 and later released on bail.
In May 2021, a trial court acquitted Tejpal, citing deficiencies in the investigation and lack of certain evidence. The State of Goa challenged that verdict before the Bombay High Court, which later reversed the acquittal and held him guilty under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The matter was then listed for hearing on the question of sentence.
Court's Observations
A Division Bench of Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar observed that the circumstances of the case warranted a substantial sentence while also considering mitigating factors.
“The Court should consider the fact that there was no remorse and offence was repeated despite a no from the victim,” the Bench observed.
At the same time, the Court noted:
“The incident took place 13 years ago. There is no report of misconduct or allegation. Both parties must have moved on in life.”
The Bench ultimately balanced these considerations while deciding the quantum of punishment.
Sentence Awarded
The Court imposed 10 years' rigorous imprisonment under Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(k) of the IPC, along with fines of ₹5 lakh each. It also awarded separate sentences under Sections 354, 354A and 354B IPC, all of which will run concurrently, resulting in an effective prison term of 10 years.
The High Court also declined immediate relief and directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks to serve the sentence.
Case Title: State of Goa v. Tarunjit Tejpal & Another
-300x169.webp)
-300x169.webp)
