In a significant development in the 2013 sexual assault case involving former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted him, overturning his earlier acquittal by a trial court in Mapusa. The verdict was delivered by a division bench comprising Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar, which found Tejpal guilty under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code after re-evaluating the evidence presented in the case.
The High Court convicted Tejpal under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the IPC, relating to rape and sexual assault. Following the conviction, the court commenced hearings on the quantum of sentence, with the punishment scheduled to be pronounced later in the day. The judgment marks a reversal of the trial court's 2021 verdict, which had acquitted Tejpal by extending him the benefit of doubt, prompting the Goa government to file an appeal before the High Court.
During the sentencing hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, urged the bench to impose the maximum punishment. He argued that the convict repeatedly ignored the survivor's refusal and continued making unwanted advances despite her clear objections. Mehta stressed that Tejpal held a position of trust and authority over the complainant, who was a junior colleague, and described him as a "father figure" considering the age difference.
Emphasising the broader societal implications of the case, Mehta told the court that it should send a strong message that consent is paramount. "When a girl says no, it means no. No means no," he argued, adding that the case warranted a stringent punishment to reinforce the principle of respect for consent and accountability for abuse of power.
Addressing the court before sentencing, Tejpal appealed for leniency. The 62-year-old stated that he considered himself a victim and referred to his family 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 for me. The rest of the facts are on record," he submitted before the bench.
The case stems from allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a former junior colleague inside a hotel elevator during the ThinkFest event held in Goa in November 2013. The incident had drawn widespread national attention and became one of India's most prominent workplace sexual harassment cases. Following the allegations, a criminal case was registered against Tejpal, leading to a lengthy trial.
In May 2021, a sessions court in Mapusa acquitted Tejpal, citing inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and extending him the benefit of doubt. The Goa government challenged that verdict before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the trial court had erred in its appreciation of evidence and failed to properly assess the survivor's testimony.
With the High Court now reversing the acquittal and recording a conviction, the case has entered its final sentencing stage. The decision is expected to have significant legal and social implications, particularly in reinforcing judicial scrutiny of sexual assault cases involving abuse of authority and the importance of consent in the workplace. The court's detailed reasoning is also likely to be closely examined as the matter may proceed to further appeal.
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