Tarun Tejpal, Former Tehelka Editor-in-Chief, Surrenders Before Goa Court in 2013 Rape Case (Video)

Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal surrendered before a court in Goa on Monday to serve his 10-year prison sentence in connection with the 2013 rape case involving a former junior colleague. His surrender comes after the Supreme Court rejected his plea seeking exemption from surrender while hearing his appeal against the Bombay High Court's conviction, according to a report.

Tarun Tejpal Surrenders Follows Supreme Court Direction

Tejpal surrendered before the Mapusa court in compliance with the Supreme Court's direction. The apex court had earlier rejected his request to be exempted from surrendering and made it clear that his appeal against the conviction and sentence would be taken up subject to the submission of a surrender certificate. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Tejpal's appeal challenging his conviction and 10-year sentence on September 22, subject to compliance with its directions. Tarun Tejpal, Ex-Tehelka Editor, Convicted for Raping Junior Colleague in 2013.

Former Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal Surrenders Before Goa Court

Bombay High Court Overturned 2021 Acquittal

The development follows the Bombay High Court's Goa Bench verdict on August 6, which overturned Tejpal's acquittal by a Goa trial court in 2021. The High Court convicted Tejpal in the 2013 case and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The case relates to the sexual assault of a junior woman colleague inside a hotel elevator in Goa during an event organised by Tehelka in November 2013.

Legal Battle Continues

Tejpal has challenged the Bombay High Court's conviction and sentence before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Goa government has also approached the apex court seeking an enhancement of his sentence to life imprisonment. The High Court had rejected the Goa government's plea for a life sentence and imposed a 10-year prison term. Tarun Tejpal’s Lawyer Rajeev Gomes Dies Due to COVID-19 Related Complications at Hospital in South Goa.

Case Dates Back to 2013

The case has remained in the courts for more than a decade. Tejpal was acquitted by the Goa trial court in 2021, but the state government challenged the verdict before the Bombay High Court. With Tejpal now surrendering before the Goa court, the focus will shift to the Supreme Court, which is set to hear his challenge to the conviction later this month.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2026 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).