The Goa government has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court requesting an increased sentence for journalist Tarun Tejpal from ten years to life imprisonment, based on the findings of the Bombay High Court.
In a recent development reported by Bar and Bench on Tuesday, the Goa government has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking an escalation of the sentence for Tarun Tejpal, former editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine. The petition aims to increase his existing ten-year sentence to life imprisonment following his conviction by the Bombay High Court on August 6, 2023. It is important to clarify that this petition does not seek to reopen or challenge the findings recorded by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court but instead argues that the imposed sentence, as per those findings, is inadequate. The court had convicted Tejpal under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape by a person holding trust or authority, rape by a person who is in a position of control or dominance over a woman, sexual harassment and criminal force against a woman with an intent to disrobe her.
Tejpal was arrested in November 2013 for allegedly raping a junior colleague in an elevator. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court in July 2014 after seven months in jail.
After his conviction, Tejpal's lawyer urged leniency in sentencing, considering the long time passed since the offense. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, opposed this plea for leniency, emphasizing the importance of setting a precedent and sending a clear message to society about consent.
Source:
Scroll.in
