Verdict on Tarun Tejpal in sexual assault case deferred to May 19

Panaji: A sessions court in Goa deferred the verdict on a sexual assault case involving former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka magazine, Tarun Tejpal, to May 19 reportedly due to the short of court staff.

The judgement was originally scheduled to be pronounced on April 27 but was adjourned to May 12, but the state being under lockdown forced postponement of the verdict further.

"The judgement has been postponed because the court is understaffed due to the new SOPs and the high rise in infections," prosecution lawyer Francis Tavora told reporters.

Tarun Tejpal has been accused of sexually assaulting his colleague inside an elevator of a five-star hotel in Goa in 2013 during an event organised by the magazine.

Subsequently, Tejpal was arrested on November 30, 2013, and was granted bail on July 1, 2014, by the Supreme Court.

He has been booked under sections 376 (rape), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement) 354A (sexual harassment) and 354B (criminal assault), of the Indian Penal Code.