The Bombay High Court on Thursday sentenced former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment in the 2013 sexual assault case, hours after reversing his acquittal and convicting him of rape and related offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court granted Tejpal two weeks to surrender before jail authorities.

The Conviction

A division bench of Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar first allowed the appeal filed by the Goa government against the May 2021 acquittal by a sessions court in Mapusa, before proceeding to pronounce sentence later in the day. The High Court convicted Tejpal under Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(k) (rape), 354A (sexual harassment), and 354B (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe) of the IPC.

What Happened in Court

During the sentencing hearing, Tejpal's counsel sought an eight-week suspension of the conviction to allow him to approach the Supreme Court, arguing that the verdict had reversed an acquittal and that there was no other criminal case pending against him. Tejpal himself addressed the bench, pleading for leniency and stating that he considered himself a victim, urging the court to take a compassionate view.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, opposing the plea, argued that the case demanded a strong message against sexual violence. 'When a girl says no, it means no,' Mehta contended before the bench.

Background of the Case

The case dates to November 2013, when a junior colleague alleged that Tejpal sexually assaulted her inside an elevator at a luxury hotel in Goa during a publication event. The Goa Police registered an FIR for offences including rape, and Tejpal was arrested in November 2013 after a local court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. He was granted regular bail by the Supreme Court in July 2014.

Why the Trial Court Acquittal Was Overturned

In May 2021, Additional Sessions Judge Kshama Joshi had acquitted Tejpal, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and citing alleged lapses in the investigation — including the failure to produce CCTV footage. The Goa government challenged this before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the trial court had erred in appreciating the evidence on record.

During the appeal, the prosecution submitted that the sessions court had focused disproportionately on the survivor's post-incident conduct and background rather than the evidence against the accused. It also argued that the trial court had ignored material evidence, including an apology email allegedly sent by Tejpal after the complainant raised allegations with the then Managing Editor of the publication. Notably, this reversal of a trial court acquittal in a high-profile sexual assault case is a relatively rare judicial outcome.

What Happens Next

Tejpal has been given two weeks to surrender. His legal team is expected to approach the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the conviction. The case will likely be closely watched as a precedent on how appellate courts assess survivor testimony and material evidence in sexual assault proceedings.