Goa government seeks life sentence for Tarun Tejpal in Supreme Court

The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking to enhance the sentence of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal from 10 years to life imprisonment. The petition follows a recent ruling by the Bombay High Court, which overturned a 2021 acquittal by a sessions court and convicted Tejpal for the 2013 sexual assault of a junior colleague in a hotel elevator.

The state government clarified that it is not challenging the High Court's findings of conviction but is instead contesting the quantum of punishment. The petition argues that the 10-year sentence is “grossly disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offences” and that Tejpal misused his position of authority and trust over the victim.

Advocate General Devidas J Pangam stated that the passage of time should not serve as a benefit to the accused in serious offences involving assault against women. While the High Court had previously opted for the minimum prescribed sentence due to the time elapsed since the incident, the state maintains that a stricter penalty is necessary to ensure justice.