SC dismisses Tarun Tejpal’s plea, directs surrender within two weeks

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 25, 2026: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed journalist Tarun Tejpal’s plea seeking exemption from surrendering after the Bombay High Court convicted him and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2013 rape case.

A bench headed by Justice Alok Aradhe directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks and listed his appeal challenging the conviction and sentence for hearing on September 22, subject to the filing of his surrender certificate.

On August 6, the Bombay High Court convicted the former Tehelka editor of rape and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, overturning his acquittal by a trial court five years ago.

Tejpal was convicted of raping a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator in Goa in 2013 during an event organised by the magazine. The 62-year-old journalist had earlier claimed that he was a victim of political persecution.