Tarun Tejpal gets setback in sexual assault case; Supreme Court directs surrender within two weeks

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to surrender within two weeks in connection with the 2013 rape case. The direction came while hearing Tejpal's plea seeking exemption from surrendering before his appeal against the Bombay High Court's conviction and 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence is considered.
The case relates to allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior female colleague inside a hotel lift during an event organised by Tehelka magazine at a five-star hotel in Goa in November 2013.

A Goa sessions court had acquitted Tejpal of all charges in May 2021. However, acting on an appeal filed by the Goa government, the Bombay High Court on August 6, 2026, set aside the acquittal, convicted Tejpal and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Tejpal was arrested on November 30, 2013, and has maintained his innocence. He subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's judgment and sentence.

Meanwhile, the Goa government has also approached the Supreme Court seeking enhancement of Tejpal's sentence to life imprisonment, arguing that the 10-year sentence was inadequate considering the gravity of the offence.

The Supreme Court directed Tejpal to furnish a surrender certificate after surrendering. His appeal against the conviction and sentence will be listed for hearing on September 22, subject to the filing of the surrender certificate.