The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court convicted Tarun Tejpal, founder of Tehelka, on Thursday in a 2013 sexual assault case. The ruling overturned a 2021 acquittal by a Goa trial court. The incident occurred in November 2013 when a Tehelka staff member alleged Tejpal assaulted her in an elevator at a Goa resort during the magazine’s annual Thinkfest event. Sentencing is scheduled for 2:30 pm. The court provided no immediate explanation for its decision, and a full order is pending. Tejpal has asked the Supreme Court for a one-week stay on the verdict. Justices Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar found Tejpal guilty under sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the Indian Penal Code. Tejpal, who was in court, requested leniency citing his age of 62 and family situation. His counsel sought an eight-week pause to allow an appeal and noted the case’s age and lack of prior complaints. The state opposed leniency, arguing Tejpal held a position of authority and that a clear message was needed. The case involves claims of assault at the Grand Hyatt in Bambolim. Tejpal was arrested in 2013, released on bail in 2014, acquitted in 2021, and the state appealed. Hearings focused on the trial court’s assessment of evidence and an apology email sent by Tejpal.
