Guwahati: Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Bombay High Court in the 2013 sexual assault case after the court reversed his earlier acquittal by the trial court.
The verdict was delivered by a Goa Division Bench of Justice Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar, which examined arguments from both the prosecution and defence before deciding the punishment.
During the sentencing hearing, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta sought the maximum punishment, arguing that the circumstances of the case required a strong deterrent message. Senior advocate Abad Ponda, who appeared for Tejpal, requested a softer approach, citing his age, clean record and the fact that he had no previous conviction.
Mehta told the court that Tejpal had not expressed remorse and alleged that the act was repeated the next day. He argued that the accused should not receive any relief merely because the victim was mature.
The Solicitor-General also said the court must reinforce the principle that “no means no” and consider the wider impact of the sentence while deciding the punishment.
Defending Tejpal, Ponda said the case originated in 2013 and that the appeal had remained pending since 2022. He submitted that Tejpal had followed all bail conditions, remained available before the court and had deposited his passport with the authorities.
Ponda requested the Bench to temporarily suspend the conviction order for eight weeks, allowing Tejpal to move the Supreme Court. He assured the court that Tejpal had no intention of avoiding the legal process.
Tejpal later addressed the Bench and said his family had spent 13 years trying to present their version of events. Referring to his family and two daughters, he sought consideration in sentencing and said he planned to challenge the order before a higher court.
The Bench took note of the defence argument that Tejpal had no other criminal proceedings pending and that this was his first offence. It also recorded his claim that he was targeted due to political vendetta.
However, the court also considered the prosecution’s argument that Tejpal held a position of responsibility and should receive the maximum punishment.
Ponda further submitted that Tejpal had attended all hearings and complied with court directions. He said Tejpal did not leave the country even after the trial court had acquitted him. Mehta, meanwhile, requested that Tejpal be taken into custody immediately and said he could seek relief from a higher court later.
The High Court found Tejpal guilty under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the Indian Penal Code. A fine of Rs 5 lakh was imposed under Section 376(2)(f).
For the offence under Section 376(2)(k), the court awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a Rs 5 lakh fine. The court also imposed one year of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine under Section 354, one year of rigorous imprisonment under Section 354A, and three years of imprisonment along with a Rs 3,000 fine under Section 354B.