The Goa government informed the Supreme Court on Monday that former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal must either surrender or obtain an exemption from the court before his appeal regarding his conviction and 10-year prison sentence for a 2013 sexual assault case can proceed. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding Tejpal’s case.
Goa Government Seeks Harsher Sentence for Tejpal
The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court to request an increase in the sentence for Tarun Tejpal to life imprisonment. This move comes after Tejpal received a 10-year sentence for aggravated rape, which the state argues is inadequate given the severity of the crimes. The government has not contested the conviction itself but believes the current sentence fails to reflect the gravity of the offences.
Additionally, the Goa government is challenging a decision by the high court that allowed the sentences for two aggravated rape offences to run concurrently. Officials argue that the assaults occurred on consecutive days and involve distinct criminal acts. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented these arguments before Justice Alok Aradhe, who is reviewing Tejpal’s appeal in preliminary proceedings.
Justice Aradhe, after hearing the submissions, said he would pass an appropriate order.
