Tarun Tejpal challenges rape case conviction order in Supreme Court

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 20, 2026: Tarun Tejpal, a journalist who was convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years in jail, has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court’s order.

According to officials, Tejpal also challenged the 10-year jail term.

Earlier this week, the Goa government had moved the Supreme Court seeking an enhanced sentence for Tejpal, contending that the case warrants imprisonment for life.

Tejpal is accused of assaulting a former junior colleague inside the elevator of a five-star hotel during an event in Goa on November 7 and November 8, 2013. He was arrested nearly 22 days later, following which he stepped down as the editor-in-chief of Tehelka in the wake of sexual assault allegations. 

He faced the trial under sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in a position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)(k) (rape by a person in a position of control) of the then Indian Penal Code.

In July 2014, Tejpal was granted bail.

Later in 2021, a trial court in Goa acquitted him of all charges levelled against him, including wrongful confinement, assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and rape against his female colleague, following which the Goa government challenged the verdict.

The Bombay High Court, earlier this month, had termed the trial court’s 2021 verdict of acquittal as "perverse".