PTC Web Desk: In a significant development in the 2013 Goa rape case, the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal, reversing the trial court's 2021 verdict that had acquitted him. The High Court announced that the sentence will be pronounced later in the day at 2:30 pm.

The case relates to allegations made by a former Tehelka employee, who accused Tejpal of raping her inside an elevator at a luxury resort in Goa during the magazine's annual Thinkfest event in November 2013.

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High Court reverses trial court verdict

A division bench comprising Justices Dr. Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar held Tejpal guilty of rape and sexual harassment under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court convicted him under Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(k), which deal with rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority, along with Sections 354A and 354B related to sexual harassment and assault with the intention of disrobing a woman.

While delivering the verdict, the bench stated that it had set aside the earlier acquittal and found Tejpal guilty based on the evidence before it.

Case dates back to 2013

The allegations stem from November 2013, when a woman journalist working with Tehelka accused Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting and raping her inside the elevator of a Goa hotel where the publication's Thinkfest event was being held.

The case drew nationwide attention and became one of the country's most closely followed trials involving a senior journalist and media executive.

Tejpal appeals for leniency

Tarun Tejpal was present in court when the judgment was delivered.

Addressing the judges after the conviction, the 62-year-old sought leniency while referring to his age and personal circumstances.

"I am 62 years old. I believe I am a victim. I have a wife and there is not much else to say. We can go in appeal. Please be lenient with me," he told the court.

Defence seeks time to move Supreme Court

Senior advocate Aabad Ponda, appearing for Tejpal, requested the High Court to suspend the operation of the conviction order for eight weeks.

He argued that Tejpal intends to challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court and requested sufficient time to file an appeal. The defence also informed the court that Tejpal had already spent around six months in jail during the course of the case.

The High Court is expected to announce the quantum of punishment later in the day.