Supreme Court issues notice to Goa govt on Tarun Tejpal's rape conviction plea

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Goa government and the Goa Police regarding a plea filed by former Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal. Tejpal is challenging a Bombay High Court judgment that convicted him in a 2013 rape case and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Tejpal argued for an early hearing, noting that he had surrendered to authorities following a previous Supreme Court directive. Sibal also highlighted that the High Court had suspended the sentence for a period of four weeks. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices M. M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale, has tentatively scheduled the matter for hearing on October 15.

Tejpal was convicted under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376(2)(f) for rape, as well as provisions related to sexual harassment and assault with intent to disrobe. The court also issued a notice to Tejpal in response to a plea from the Goa government seeking an enhancement of his sentence.