The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has overturned Tarun Tejpal's 2021 acquittal and convicted the former Tehelka editor in a 2013 sexual assault case, applying provisions that include Section 376(2)(f). He faces a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison, with sentencing due later this week. The case — alleged to have occurred in an elevator during Tehelka's 2013 Goa conference — drew renewed attention after critics condemned the 2021 acquittal for its scrutiny of the survivor's behavior. Tejpal denies the allegations and has indicated he will appeal.
Bombay High Court Overturns Acquittal, Convicts Former Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal in 2013 Rape Case
Tarun Tejpal, a well-known journalist and author, will be sentenced later on Thursday [Getty Images]
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has overturned a 2021 acquittal and found former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal guilty in a high-profile 2013 sexual assault case. The court convicted him under provisions that include Section 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority. Sentencing is scheduled for later this week.
Key Details of the Verdict
The bench held that the evidence and appellate review warranted conviction under sections relating to rape and sexual harassment. Under the provisions applied, Tejpal faces a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a possible maximum of life imprisonment. He retains the right to appeal the high court's decision to a higher forum.
Background of the Allegations
The complainant, who cannot be named under Indian law, alleged that Tejpal sexually assaulted her inside an elevator during Tehelka's international conference in Goa in November 2013 — an event attended by public figures, including actor Robert De Niro. Tejpal has consistently denied the allegations. Initially he described the episode as "a lapse of judgment" and later urged authorities to review CCTV footage; he has also suggested the case was part of a "political vendetta" by the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Goa.
Earlier Proceedings and Controversy
Tejpal was arrested in 2013 and spent seven months in custody before the Supreme Court granted him bail. In 2021 a sessions court in Goa acquitted him; that acquittal drew widespread criticism because the trial judge's 527-page order scrutinised the survivor's behaviour and observed that photographs taken shortly after the alleged assault showed her "smiling" and apparently "not traumatised," a characterization some lawyers and activists described as unfairly judgmental toward the survivor. The Goa government appealed the acquittal to the high court.
Appeals in Court
Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the high court to impose the maximum sentence, arguing the verdict should send a clear message about consent: "When a girl says no, it means no. A no means a no," LiveLaw reported. Addressing the court, Tejpal — who said he is 62, a husband and father of two daughters — called himself a "political victim" and indicated he would appeal. He also asked the court for leniency through his lawyer, according to reporting by Bar & Bench.
Context: Tehelka's Profile
Tejpal co-founded Tehelka in 2000. The magazine gained national prominence for investigative reporting and sting operations, notably Operation West End, which exposed alleged corruption among officials and politicians and caused significant public debate.
What Happens Next: Sentencing will take place on the scheduled date, after which Tejpal may pursue further appeals in higher courts.
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