Panaji: The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court seeking enhancement of the sentence imposed on former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal from 10 years to life imprisonment in the 2013 rape and sexual harassment case.
In its petition, the state government has said it is not seeking to reopen or challenge the findings of the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, but has contended that the sentence awarded to Tejpal is “manifestly inadequate” in view of the findings recorded by the court.
On August 6, the High Court overturned the 2021 verdict of a sessions court, which had acquitted Tejpal, and convicted him of rape by a person holding a position of trust or authority, rape by a person in a position of control or dominance over a woman, sexual harassment, and using criminal force against a woman with intent to disrobe her.
The High Court had directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks.
Tejpal was accused of sexually assaulting a junior colleague inside an elevator at a hotel in Goa in November 2013. He was arrested later that month and remained in custody for around seven months before the Supreme Court granted him bail in July 2014.
Following his conviction, Tejpal’s lawyer had urged the High Court to take a lenient view while deciding the sentence, pointing out that the offence was committed around 13 years ago.
The Goa government’s move before the Supreme Court now seeks a substantial enhancement of the sentence to life imprisonment while relying on the High Court’s findings on Tejpal’s guilt.
