The Supreme Court will hear former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal’s plea challenging his conviction and sentence on November 5. The court will also consider his request for interim bail to celebrate Deepavali with his family.
The Bombay High Court had overturned a trial court’s acquittal, finding Mr. Tejpal guilty of aggravated rape and sentencing him to 10 years in prison. This conviction relates to allegations of sexual assault against a junior colleague in 2013.
The Goa government, represented by the Solicitor General, sought an adjournment for the hearing. While Mr. Tejpal’s lawyer initially opposed this, he then urged the court to grant interim bail for the festival. The government indicated it would contest the bail request.
The High Court’s judgment found fault with the trial court’s evidence assessment and noted Mr. Tejpal’s position of authority over the complainant. The Goa government has also filed a separate appeal seeking a longer sentence.
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Source: thehindu.com
