Mumbai: Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on Thursday appealed for leniency during sentencing arguments before the Bombay High Court after being convicted in the 2013 sexual assault case. The Goa government, however, urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, arguing that the verdict should send a strong message that “no means no.”
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court had earlier set aside the 2021 acquittal by the trial court and convicted Tejpal under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to rape and sexual assault.
Tarun Tejpal Appeals for Leniency
Addressing the court during the sentencing hearing, Tejpal requested compassion, referring to his age and personal circumstances.
“I am 62 and I believe I am a victim. I have a wife and that’s not much else to say. All that I can say is we can go and appeal. Please be lenient with me,” Tejpal told the court.
His legal team also submitted that he had no previous criminal complaints, FIRs, or allegations of misconduct before this case.
State Demands Maximum Punishment
Appearing for the Goa government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the court should award the maximum sentence permitted under the law.
He told the court that the survivor had repeatedly refused Tejpal’s advances, yet he allegedly continued his actions despite those refusals.
According to Mehta, the case involved a person occupying a position of authority and trust, making the offence particularly serious.
He urged the court to establish a strong legal precedent.
“This court must send a clear message to society that when a woman says no, it means no,” Mehta argued.
Court Questions Previous Criminal History
During the hearing, Justice Neela Gokhale asked whether any other criminal cases or complaints had ever been filed against Tejpal.
His counsel responded that there had been no previous FIRs, complaints, or allegations of inappropriate conduct before the present case.
The court noted the submission while hearing arguments on sentencing.
High Court Reverses 2021 Acquittal
Earlier on Thursday, the Bombay High Court’s Goa bench, comprising Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar, overturned the 2021 sessions court judgment that had acquitted Tejpal.
The High Court convicted him under the following provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 376(2)(f): Rape by a person in a position of trust or authority
- Section 354A: Sexual harassment
- Section 354B: Assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman
Under Section 376(2)(f), the punishment ranges from a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to November 2013, when a former junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel elevator during the ThinkFest event in Goa.
Following an extensive investigation and trial, a sessions court acquitted Tejpal in May 2021.
The Goa government challenged that acquittal, leading to the High Court’s decision to overturn the verdict and convict him.
The court is expected to pronounce the sentence after hearing both sides.
