Tarun Tejpal, Ex-Tehelka Editor, Convicted for Raping Junior Colleague in 2013
In a big setback for former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, the Goa High Court on Thursday convicted him in the rape case filed by his junior colleague in 2013. The High Court overturned a trial court's 2021 acquittal of Tejpal, after the Goa government had appealed against the acquittal.
In a big setback for former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, the Goa High Court on Thursday convicted him in the rape case filed by his junior colleague in 2013. The High Court overturned a trial court's 2021 acquittal of Tejpal, after the Goa government had appealed against the acquittal.
Bench That Delivered The Judgement
A division bench comprising Justices Dr Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar delivered the judgement following detailed arguments from both sides. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta argued the state government's appeal seeking to set aside the acquittal, while senior advocate Abad Ponda represented Tejpal. Tarun Tejpal’s Lawyer Rajeev Gomes Dies Due to COVID-19 Related Complications at Hospital in South Goa.
What The Case Relates To
The case relates to allegations by a former junior colleague that the veteran journalist s*xually assaulted her inside a hotel elevator during the ThinkFest event in Goa in November 2013.
Tarun Tejpal Convicted In 2013 Rape Case
Former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal convicted for rape and outraging modesty of woman pic.twitter.com/5hB0mUb6Jt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 6, 2026
Trial began in Mapusa trial court in 2017 and Tejpal was acquitted in 2021, after which the state government appealed in the High Court. Karnataka Gang Rape Case: 3 Arrested for Assaulting, Extorting West Bengal Woman.
Arguments Made During The Hearing
During the hearing on the state's appeal, Mehta argued that the sessions court committed a serious error by assessing the complainant's conduct based on preconceived notions of how a victim of s*xual assault should behave.
In its acquittal order, the trial court had said the complainant did not demonstrate any kind of "normative behaviour" that a survivor of s*xual assault "might plausibly show".
There is no universal standard governing the reaction of a survivor, as responses differ depending on an individual's education, personality, social background and circumstances, the Solicitor General said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2026 11:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
