Bombay HC convicts Tarun Tejpal of raping colleague in 2013, sentences him to 10-yr RI

The Bombay High Court convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of raping a colleague in 2013, overturning his acquittal from a previous trial and sentencing him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. The court rejected the acquittal by a Goa sessions court, imposing the maximum punishment to send a clear message that "no means no." Tejpal, who was present in court, pleaded for leniency, citing his status as a political victim and father of two daughters.

The court sentenced him to ten years for the rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, one year for violating Section 354, and three years for another violation of Section 354, with all sentences running concurrently. Tejpal was ordered to pay a fine of ₹10,21,000 to the victim, which would be paid directly to her. The case stems from allegations of sexual assault at a hotel elevator during a ThinkFest event in Goa in November 2013.