Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Aug 19: The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court seeking enhancement of the 10-year rigorous imprisonment awarded to former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case.
The state government has challenged the sentence imposed by the Bombay High Court, arguing that the punishment is inadequate and disproportionate to the gravity of the offences. It has sought life imprisonment for the 62-year-old journalist.
The case dates back to 2013, when a junior colleague of Tejpal accused him of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel elevator during a Tehelka event in Goa. A trial court acquitted him in 2021. The Bombay High Court overturned the acquittal on August 6, convicted Tejpal and sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.
In its plea before the Supreme Court, the Goa government argued that Tejpal had abused his position as an employer, mentor and person of trust. The state contended that these aggravating circumstances were not adequately considered while deciding the sentence.
The government has also challenged the decision to run the sentences relating to two separate incidents concurrently. It has opposed the consideration of the 13-year delay since registration of the case as a mitigating factor, arguing that the passage of time should not reduce the punishment for the offences.
While overturning the trial court's verdict, the Bombay High Court had criticised the acquittal judgment and described it as “perverse”. The court also rejected the notion that a survivor must behave like a “perfect victim” for her testimony to be considered credible.
Following his conviction, Tejpal said he would challenge the High Court verdict before the Supreme Court and claimed that he was a victim of political vendetta. During the sentencing hearing, he sought leniency, citing his age and family circumstances.
The Bombay High Court had directed Tejpal to surrender before Goa Police within four weeks. The Supreme Court will now consider the Goa government's plea seeking enhancement of his sentence to life imprisonment.