SC defers hearing on Tarun Tejpal's conviction appeal to Nov 5

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday postponed until November 5 the hearing on former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal’s challenge to his conviction and 10-year jail term in a 2013 rape case. The Goa government, meanwhile, opposed his request for temporary release to spend Diwali at home.

A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale adjourned the proceedings after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, sought more time.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tejpal, did not object to the adjournment but urged the court to allow his client to leave prison for the festival. Mehta opposed the request, pointing out that Tejpal had been convicted.

Tejpal has challenged the Bombay High Court verdict that overturned his acquittal by a sessions court and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The Goa government has filed a separate appeal seeking a longer sentence.

The case relates to allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior colleague inside a hotel lift in Goa during an event in November 2013.

A sessions court acquitted him in May 2021, citing the prosecution's failure to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. However, the Bombay High Court reversed the decision on August 6 and convicted him under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

Tejpal surrendered on September 14 and is currently lodged at Colvale Central Jail in North Goa.

With IANS inputs