Ten years of rigorous imprisonment

The Bombay High Court has sentenced former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for rape. The ruling follows a challenge by the Goa government against a 2021 trial court acquittal, with the bench granting Tejpal two weeks to surrender. The case stems from a 2013 incident involving an assault in a hotel elevator. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, argued for the maximum sentence, emphasizing that the survivor’s refusal was clear and that Tejpal showed no remorse. Mehta dismissed defense claims that the incident was a misunderstanding, asserting that the court must send a strong deterrent message regarding consent. Tejpal, 62, requested a lenient sentence, citing his age and family responsibilities while maintaining his innocence. His legal counsel argued that the evidence was insufficient and questioned the survivor's conduct following the incident. The court ultimately rejected these arguments, upholding the conviction.