The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by journalist Tarun Tejpal, who was convicted by the Bombay High Court for rape and sexual harassment in 2013. The court upheld the 10-year prison sentence and fine imposed on Tejpal.
On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea from Tarun Tejpal's legal team seeking suspension of his 10-year prison sentence for rape and sexual harassment. The court stated that the case did not warrant such relief, noting 'We do not find it to be a fit case to grant suspension of sentence.'
Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Tejpal, inquired about the potential timing for considering the suspension of sentence, but the bench responded, 'We can’t give a stage now.'
The Bombay High Court had convicted Tejpal on August 6, overturning a 2021 sessions court verdict that had initially acquitted him. The High Court found Tejpal guilty under several provisions 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.
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of over Rs 10 lakh. On August 20, Tejpal challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court. On August 25, the Supreme Court directed Tejpal to surrender within two weeks, with his appeal to be listed after he submitted a certificate confirming his surrender by September 22.
Tejpal surrendered at the Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa, Goa on September 14 and was subsequently sent to Colvale Central Jail in North Goa. Tejpal was accused of raping a junior colleague in an elevator in 2013.
Source:
Scroll.in
