- Tarun Tejpal has been convicted in a rape case, with sentencing scheduled for later Thursday.
- Tejpal, aged 62, told the court he believes he is a political victim, is a father of two daughters, and plans to appeal, requesting leniency.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the high court to impose the maximum sentence, stating: "This court must give a clear message to society that when a girl says no, it means no. A no means a no."
Tarun Tejpal, the former editor of Tehelka magazine, was convicted of rape by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, which overturned his 2021 acquittal. The court found him guilty under sections of Indian law related to rape and sexual harassment.1
Tejpal's conviction stems from an incident in November 2013, where he was accused of assaulting a former colleague in an elevator during a Tehelka event in Goa. Despite his consistent denial of the allegations, the court ruled against him, leading to a sentencing scheduled for Thursday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, emphasizing the importance of the message it would send to society: 'A no means a no.' Tejpal, who spent seven months in jail before being granted bail by the Supreme Court, expressed his intention to appeal the verdict, stating, 'All I can say is I am 62. I believe I am a political victim.' He also requested leniency from the court, highlighting his family responsibilities.234
The case has drawn significant attention, reflecting ongoing discussions about sexual violence and accountability in India, particularly in the media industry.
“Tejpal, 62, told the court he believes he is a political victim and a father of two daughters, requesting leniency while planning to appeal. The Goa government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, pushed for the harshest penalty, emphasizing that 'when a girl says no, it means no.'”
BBC
